the transfiguration of jesus

Today's Reflections 

 
                                                             

 

the transfiguration of jesus 

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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.”

AN EXPERIENCE OF THE TRANSCENDENT. “Transfiguration” renders the Greek metamorphosis that describes change in appearance and is the origin of the English “metamorphosis,” meaning “change of shape” or “transformation.” Students in grade school are taught the reality of metamorphosis through what happens to a butterfly. The green larva or worm that repels people “sleeps” inside the cocoon and then comes out later as a multi-colored winged beauty.

Scientific cultural analyses would describe the transfiguration as “an altered state of consciousness.” In the ancient Mediterranean world, alternate reality was experienced in vision and trance. Pagan devotees dreamt of healing gods like Asclepius coming and informing them of their healing.

In Israel, prophets like Isaiah (6:1-13), Jeremiah (1:11-19), and Ezekiel (1:4-28) had their experience of God in alternate reality. They referred to this as vision, which can also be called “ecstasy” or “trance.” The same thing happened to John, the author of the Book of Revelation.

In the Gospel, both Jesus and the chosen disciples are changed because of their experience of the transcendent. Matthew points out the alteration in Jesus’ “face” or his whole countenance. What happens to Jesus is akin to Moses’ radiant face following his meeting with God on Mount Sinai (cf Ex 34:29-30). And the facial expression that reflects the change in Jesus’ inner being is visible to the disciples.

The scene in the transfiguration follows the prediction of the passion. During his ministry, Jesus has gained not only friends but also enemies. He resolutely determines to go to Jerusalem where the prophets have been persecuted. An experience like the transfiguration sets Jesus’ mind at ease. Conversing with Moses and Elijah, Jesus is being confirmed in his mission.

The transfiguration is also a “mystical experience” for the disciples. Although they do not fully comprehend its meaning, they experience a theophany. They need this enlightenment because Jesus has told them that following him entails denial of self and carrying the cross (cf Mt 16:24).