Our thoughts, words, and actions should let Jesus’ radiance shine through us, transform us
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6, 2021): DN 7:9-10,13-14; PS 97:1-2,5-6,9; 2 PT 1:16-19; MK 9:2-10
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified." (Mark 9:2-6)
The Transfiguration of our Lord revealed a number of contrasts. Primarily, the divinity of Jesus is manifested to those who had only recognized His humanity. The light of Christ illuminates what was dark to the Apostles. Yet we also see that joy and wonder can be overwhelmed by fear. “He was transfigured before them, and His clothes became dazzling white.… Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus,… ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified” (Mark 9:2-6). Peter, James, and John had been chosen by Jesus to experience Him as far more than their teacher and friend, and a good and wise man. He was the Son of God. He wanted His divine light to break through their blindness and let them see Him as He really was. Christ understood both the fear and confusion they were feeling as well as their elation and awe.
Our Lord did not want them to become frozen by panic but rather to trust in Him who would give them their hearts’ desire. So the Father addresses them directly and tells them exactly what they have to do: “Listen to Him.” Those simple words directed the Apostles just as they do us today in walking in the way of Christ. And if we really listen, we must also trust. We must turn our lives over to Him so that our thoughts, words, and actions let His radiance shine through us to transform us – and the rest of the world, too. This is the calling that God offers us. If only we accept it, the fear will finally pass away. The peace and glory will last.
Suggested missionary action: We need to willingly put ourselves in the hands of the Lord, praying that He help us grow more truly in His image. By doing what the Father tells us and listening more closely to Christ day by day, we will become His beloved children as well.
