Reading Large Chunks of Scripture
Day 8/15
Mark 9:2-50
(Eugene Peterson's translation - The Message)

This chunk contains the famous Transfiguration scene in which the disciples, who've been asking who Jesus is, actually witness, experience and participate in a divine revelation of Jesus' identity, purpose and passion. Then the desire to be powerful, famous, influential, meaningful, by being attached to Jesus sets in. They fight among themselves over who is the greatest, who will be and who should be. They miss the boat on what Jesus is talking about, teaching by his example and proclaiming in his exclusion-exploding relationships.

Peterson translates the passage in a lively, modern context. He ends with "Preserve the peace." That's what it's about. The question is how do we live as "preservatives" of peace? What does it cost to make peace? What does it cost to preserve it? Challenging questions and a timely translation in this week of the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq (among other things).