“Passing the Mantle”
Mark 9:2-9 and 2 Kings 2:1-12
Transfiguration Sunday, February 15, 2015
Rev. Dr. Charlie Berthoud
Covenant Presbyterian Church, Madison, Wisconsin
On this Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent, we have two fascinating
and mysterious biblical narratives. You just heard the first, the account of Jesus on the mountain, with
Peter, James, and John, with the clouds and the bright lights, the presence of Moses and Elijah, and the
voice of God saying words very similar to the words spoken at the baptism of Jesus: This is my Son, the
Beloved. Listen to him.”
This narrative comes at the midpoint of the gospel and among other reasons, the Transfiguration is in
the gospel to help disciples of Jesus realize that we must listen to Jesus and continue what he began,
just as Jesus was continuing in the tradition of the Law and Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah.
Our second reading takes us back 9 centuries before the time of Jesus. The prophet Elijah has boldly
stood against evil kings Ahab and Ahaziah in the northern kingdom of Israel. Near the end of Elijah’s
time on earth, his disciple Elisha is following him around, not wanting to leave him. Our reading goes
through three cycles, in biblically significant places, where Elisha pledges his loyalty. It’s almost comical
with his relentless desire to cling to his teacher.
The third cycle is different, and Elijah takes his mantle, which is sort of like a cloak, and parts the Jordan,
evoking memories of Israel’s salvation through the Red Sea, and they pass through. Then Elisha the
disciple makes a request and Elijah is taken up, leaving Elisha in mourning. Listen for God’s word.
Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on
their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But
Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to
Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you
know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep
silent.”
Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord
lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets
who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take
your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord
lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the
company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing
by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was
parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from
you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have
C. Berthoud, 2/15/15
Cov. Pres. Madison WI, p. 2
asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it
will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two
of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out,
“Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he
grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
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Elisha is worried. The end of Elijah’s earthly days are near, and he is fearful, not
wanting to face the future without his teacher, his example, his inspiration.
But Elijah patiently allows his student to follow him and then, like a good teacher
gives Elisha encouragement to continue onward.
And as the account continues, we learn that Elisha picks up the mantle, strikes the
water with it, and after the water parts, the gathering of prophets nearby cry out “The spirit
of Elijah now rests on Elisha.” Elijah has been a good teacher, a good example, and Elisha
has welcomed this wisdom and inspiration.
Thus the origin of the phrase: passing the mantle.
But rather than reflect on etymology, the question for us today: Who are the Elijahs
in your life? Who are the people who have showed you the way, taught you the faith, set an
example for you how to live, encouraged you on the journey? We all have such people in
our lives, but perhaps we take them for granted.
Our biblical accounts today seem to suggest that it might take the crisp air of a
mountain or the refreshing water of a river in the wilderness for us to wake up and learn
from those who’ve gone before us. Or maybe all we need is “another day at church” on a
chilly February morning.
I have been blessed with many wonderful mentors and teachers in my life. One of
them is a Catholic priest by the name of Jim Flynn, who I met in Central America, back in
the 1980s. We worked together in Nicaragua, with a group named Witness for Peace, a
faith-based human rights group. I had been yearning for a more integrated faith, a
Christianity that was deeply spiritual but also engaged with justice issues in the world. I
had met plenty of Christians who were spiritual but more concerned with heaven than this
world. And I had met plenty of people working for justice who thought the church was for
fools. I sensed something different, and I’m grateful for Jim’s example.
Morning after morning, he would rise early and say his prayers. He would lead us in
worship and offer blessings in the aftermath of tragedy. In the quarter century since then,
we’ve stayed in touch, and to this day, well into his 80s, he is still a faithful Christian
seeking justice in the world.
C. Berthoud, 2/15/15
Cov. Pres. Madison WI, p. 3
More recently, I give thanks for the wisdom and encouragement I get from the
company of seasoned pastors here at Covenant. For those who don’t know, we have about 8
retired pastors regularly here in worship, including Covenant’s pastor emeritus Bill King. I
am especially grateful for his wise and caring presence in the months since my mother
died. Bill continues gently and appropriately reach out to encourage and support me.
Who are the Elijahs in your life? Who is passing the mantle to you? We have much to
learn from those who have gone before us.
On this Valentine’s Day weekend, when we think about love, I’m very grateful for
those who have set examples for me of what it means to be a loving person and in
particular, a good husband.
I remember a couple in Pittsburgh who were married about 60 years—Bob and
Nancy [names changed]. I was regularly inspired by their tenderness and kindness with
each other. I remember one time when Nancy was nearing death, and I went to visit her.
Bob was with her and he didn’t know I was coming. I walked in her room, and before he
saw me, I watched him. He was sitting by her side, gently stroking the back of her hand,
saying something like: “Are you OK sweetie? Can I get anything for you? I’m here.”
I thought of these two kind souls this week, when I went to visit a couple of
Covenant folks: Ben and Sally Washburn. We shared communion together, and they were
so gracious and kind with me and with each other. Several times Ben smiled and said, “I
have a wonderful wife.”
We have enough bad examples in the world around. We need to deliberately and
carefully pay attention to the good examples.
I am very grateful for the example of people who show me what it means to kind
and gentle and loving.
And it’s important for us as students of faith, students of life to learn well from our
teachers, because gradually the students become the teachers.
That means, believe it or not, we become the ones who are teaching the people who
come after us. Believe it or not, there are people who are going to look at you, your words
and especially your deeds, as an example.
If that doesn’t inspire you to get on your knees and pray, I’m not sure what will.
Just outside the sanctuary, we have a large print with the words of Jesus at the end
of Matthew’s gospel: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus came to proclaim the
good news of God’s love and he wants us to share this message. We have been given a gift
to share.
C. Berthoud, 2/15/15
Cov. Pres. Madison WI, p. 4
Jesus called disciples to follow him—to learn from him, to be transformed, and to
make a difference in the world.
Just as Elijah passed the mantle of living in faith to Elisha, Jesus passed the mantle to
the disciples, teaching them and leading them, empowering them to live for the sake of
God’s kingdom.
Good people in our lives are passing the mantle of faith, hope, and love to us. Now
it’s our turn.
C. Berthoud, 2/15/15
Cov. Pres. Madison WI, p. 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome!
Several great learning opportunities today see page 5
Lent begins this week.
Dinner and worship on Wednesdays
Special Lenten series begins next week. Study books are here
Don’t forget: Potluck next week at noon
9:00
11:00
Isaac Schmidt, Marsh Finner, Marge Resan New Day band
David Moore, Marge Resan, choir
Prayer list additions:
Gerrie Treu, dealing with a health concern
Bill Wood, recovering from surgery this past week
Vernon Wavra, father of Nancy McCulley and
Scott Wavra, Nancy’s nephew – both recovering from surgeries this
week.
The White Rose in the chancel commemorates the life of Covenant member,
Jim Fosdick. Service on Friday at Attic Angels.
The Red Rose celebrates the birth of Colin Russell Baak, son of Jennifer
Erickson Baak and Andrew Baak, grandson of Barbara McCall, and nephew of
Betsy Erickson.
Visitors
Julie and Mike Fuller
Jim Blanchard
Ashlyn