The Transfiguration

Today's Reflections

 

            

The Transfiguration

Mt 17:1-9

¹Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ²And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. ³And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. ⁴Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” ⁶When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. ⁷But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” ⁸And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

⁹As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

He was transfigured before them. Jesus chooses three of his disciples and takes them up the mountain with him. In all likelihood, he does not say why or where they are going. They follow him without question, and their obedience is rewarded with an experience like no other. They see Jesus transfigured before them: his face shines like the sun and his clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, appear to them. And, best of all, a voice from a bright cloud declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

The account of the transfiguration tells us many things: Jesus is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of old regarding the Messiah. He is the Son of God whose word he has generously shared. It enjoins us to undergo transformation and conversion as first the Baptist and then Jesus urge us. Finally, it reminds us that to follow Jesus is to listen to him and to live according to his teachings.

Let us hearken to the apostle Peter who reminds us to be attentive to God’s word, “as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Pt 1:19).