From the Liturgical Calendar we find that the Appointed Lessons for today speak to us of commitment in the face of transformation.
In the Collect we seek the strength needed to stay committed, to "bear our cross" as we are to be "changed into his likeness."
The Old Testament passage tells the story of the passing of Elijah's ministry to Elisha. Despite Elijah thrice advising his protege to remain behind, Elisha maintains his commitment to be at his master's side until the end. Only by doing this, Elijah tells him, can Elisha expect to inherit his ministry.
In Psalm 50, the Lord calls for the gathering of his "loyal followers, those who have made a covenant with (Him) and sealed it with sacrifice."
In the Epistle, Paul reminds us that our fealty to Christ is absolute by proclaiming "Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as slaves for Jesus' sake."
Finally, from the Gospel of Mark, we have the Transfiguration. The Lord, in His own words, commands Peter, James and John to obey his Son, for the greatest transformation in the history of mankind is upon them.
Each of these passages is an exhortation to the Faithful to remain steadfastly committed in the face of tumultuous upheaval. Should that surprise us? In our own lives as men, do we not urge the most steadfast of our followers to gather about us and take heart when we perceive a sharp turn in the the road ahead?
The Season of Epiphany is drawing to its close, and we are about to enter the Lenten Season. Let us strengthen each other in our commitment to steadfastly follow Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation, as we enter together this Season Of Change.
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