The Transfiguration

Today Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, up a high mountain, and is transfigured before them.  We are told that he becomes radiant in his brightness, and Moses and Elijah appear with him.  The Apostles are overcome with fear and awe.  When they look up finally, Jesus is there alone.

This experience becomes sort of an ecclesial moment, joining the Apostles to the tradition of faith, while revealing the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ; that is the Kingdom of God.  The message from the Father is quite clear, "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him."  The Biblical heroes from Abraham to all the prophets have been faithful to the  Word of God.  Now the Word made flesh is dwelling in our midst, the Apostles, and really we, need to be attentive to his direction and guidance.  Jesus is the promise of the Father fulfilled.

Our obedience in faith is to Jesus Christ alone.  Even today we are invited to walk to Jerusalem with him, sharing in his passion, and witnessing the resurrection.  St. Paul will remind us that we connect ourselves to Jesus in the Paschal mystery, in the midst of our own trials and tribulations, knowing that Jesus has already bound himself to us.  The Transfiguration offers an insight into Jesus' authority, mission, and nature.  Our faith journey begins and ends in the mystery of Jesus Christ.

We look at someone like Peter, who continued to trip over himself throughout the scriptures, is able to state clearly to Jesus, "Lord to whom shall we go, you alone have the words of eternal life"  When we have those insights into God's Kingdom, we develop a broader view of what our faith life is all about, and the mission and ministry of the Church.  Like the Apostles our entire journey becomes one of climbing to a higher level, seeking that which is true-er, and more perfected.

In the Gospels Jesus chastises those who follow him because they like to see miracles, or the religious authorities whose religion has become an end in itself.  Jesus demonstrates a connection here between him and God's plan of salvation.  The beginning of Mark's Gospel has Jesus cajoling his listeners to transform their lives in preparation for the Kingdom.  More so Jesus will state in another Gospel the Kingdom of God is already here.

We might want to consider during Lent in what ways our life is most closely bonded to Jesus Christ, and what compromises that relationship.  We want to be on our way to the higher places in life, using the tools given to us, so that we can experience transfiguration.