By listening to Jesus and heeding what He tells us, we, too, can be transformed
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
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In seeing Christ as He truly was, His followers were given a glimpse of their own future. In following Him, and allowing Him to renew their hearts and minds and souls...
Today we commemorate one of the central events of Christ’s ministry: His Transfiguration. It is recounted in the three synoptic Gospels, as well as in Peter’s second letter. We learn how Jesus brings Peter, James, and John, the Apostles who are closest to Him, to the top of a mountain. This is traditionally believed to be Mt. Tabor in Galilee which rises up from the flat land around it. We hear how Jesus becomes transfigured as His divine glory shines through His whole being. At that point, Moses, the giver of God’s law, and Elijah, the great prophet of God, speak with Christ. Peter, James and John are stunned. Then, as sometimes happens with Peter, he blurts out an idea without realizing the inappropriateness of what he is saying; in this case, because of his fear. “Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, ‘This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.’ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them” (Mark 9:7-8).
Just as on the day of His Baptism, the Eternal Father proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son. Moses and Elijah were loved by Almighty God, as indeed were the Apostles. But Jesus was His only begotten Son. By listening to Him and heeding what He tells us, we, too, can be transformed – configured more closely into the image of God. In seeing Christ as He truly was, His followers were given a glimpse of their own future. In following Him, and allowing Him to renew their hearts and minds and souls, their whole selves would be changed into the beings they were intended to be. Almighty God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – have always desired each one of us to reflect the divine likeness throughout life everlasting. By becoming the adopted children of God through the sacrifice of His Son and the power of the Paraclete, we will be made complete. In being more like Christ we will finally and forever become our real and best ourselves.
