Transformation

The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, breaks into Ordinary Time, with a vision that speaks about the true meaning of Discipleship, and challenges us with the necessity of conversion.  In the Book of Revelation, from today's first reading, we are given a glimpse of the Kingdom which we talk about often, and anticipate in our journey of faith.  It really is conveyed as a place of light, happiness, and peace.  If we are to know Jesus, and to do his will, we have to understand this mountain experience, and bring it to the cross. 

It is this vision of Jesus which becomes part of the Apostle's understanding and contemplation of who Jesus is. We know too what it is like to have an ah-ha moment in matters of faith and religion.  A retreat, a reading or prayer at Mass, reflection on the sacraments, and those holy moments we have with others, brings us joy and peace.  We have a mountain-top experience of Jesus which allows in us the strength and courage to proclaim what w have seen and heard.  And this latter is an important piece of our part of the mission of Jesus.  We have to share the experiences of our faith.

Towards the end of the Kairos retreats, as the young people are hugging each other, and doing all of the gestures to the Christian Rock songs, we have to remind them that they are going back to the same classes, frustrations, and routine as they had before.  The difference is know that they have a vision of life which they had not had before.  While life around them would still be the same yuck and gunk, we have a new insight as to our identity with Jesus.

The Transfiguration of Jesus points to the ongoing transformation of the Body of Christ.  We have to be light shining in darkness and messengers of hope.  Our lives point to what we have seen and head in this moment of Transfiguration.  The mountain must inform the rest of our time with Jesus Christ.