Friends, today, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The account of Luke which we read today does not use the term “Transfiguration.” Luke says the countenance of Jesus’ face was altered.
Friends, there are great points we can learn from the feast of today. The first is the place of prayer. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up to the mountain to pray. Mountain in the scriptures remains the place of encounter. It was in the context of prayer that Jesus’ face changed. It wasn’t just about the face altering, it was the revelation of the glory of God. When we pray, our human weaknesses are altered and the glory of God is revealed in us. We cannot remain the same because we have encountered God in his presence.
Again, the transfiguration of Jesus also plays a pedagogical role. It teaches the disciples about the identity of Jesus. He is the Son of Man clothed in the golden royalties as we see in the first reading. This reality was to bring the disciples to the conviction of who truly Jesus was. However, this glory would not be fully revealed until he undergoes his passion. This was the discussion between Moses and Elijah. These men were very significant in the history of the Israelites. Moses represents the law while Elijah the prophets. Jesus becomes the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Hence , all men and women are or listen to the voice of this Beloved Son.
Do we still listen to other voices? Do we still doubt Jesus? Do we doubt divine encounters? Does God seem far away? Try again. Go to the mountain and try again.
May we like Peter, James and John experience Jesus profoundly. May our veiled faces be altered by his glory.
The Lord be with you.
