Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, we are invited to ascend the mountain with Jesus and His disciples, Peter, James, and John. This event, recounted in Luke's Gospel (Luke 9:28b-36), offers a profound glimpse into the divine glory of Christ and provides us with invaluable lessons for our own spiritual journeys. It's a reminder that even amidst the trials and tribulations of life, moments of profound grace and revelation are possible, and that listening to Christ is the key to understanding our purpose.
A Glimpse of Divine Glory
The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. Jesus, in His humanity, reveals His divine nature to His closest followers. His face shines, His clothes become dazzling white, and He is joined by Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. This extraordinary event is not merely a spectacle but a profound revelation of who Jesus is: the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the Son of God.
In the first reading from the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14), we encounter a vision of the Ancient One, whose clothing was bright as snow. This imagery resonates with the transfigured Christ, highlighting the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment. The vision in Daniel speaks of a dominion that is everlasting, a kingship that shall not be destroyed. This is the same dominion and kingship that Christ embodies, offering us hope and assurance in the face of earthly impermanence.
The Importance of Witness and Testimony
The second reading from 2 Peter (2 Peter 1:16-19) emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony. Peter affirms that they did not follow cleverly devised myths but were eyewitnesses of Christ's majesty. He reminds us that the prophetic message is reliable and that we should be attentive to it as a lamp shining in a dark place. This call to attentiveness is particularly relevant today, as we are bombarded with information and often struggle to discern truth from falsehood.
The early Church placed great emphasis on the importance of bearing witness to the truth. One early Church Father, who emphasized the importance of apostolic tradition, the succession of bishops, and the authority of the canonical Scriptures as safeguards of true doctrine, would have seen Peter's testimony as a cornerstone of Christian belief. He understood that the Church is the repository of truth, and that the faithful transmission of the apostolic witness is essential for preserving the integrity of the Gospel.
Listening to the Chosen Son
In the Gospel account, Peter, overwhelmed by the experience, suggests building three tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But a cloud overshadows them, and a voice from heaven declares, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him" (Luke 9:35). This divine command is the heart of the Transfiguration. It is a call to focus on Jesus, to listen to His teachings, and to follow His example.
The voice from the cloud echoes the sentiment of another early Christian writer, who urged believers to maintain unity around their leaders and the Eucharist. He understood that the Church is a unified body, with Christ as its head, and that obedience to the teachings of Christ, as transmitted through the Church, is essential for maintaining that unity.
Transfiguration in Our Lives
The Transfiguration is not just a historical event; it is a call to transformation in our own lives. Just as the disciples were given a glimpse of Christ's glory, we too are invited to encounter Him in moments of prayer, reflection, and service to others. These moments of encounter can be transformative, giving us the strength and courage to face the challenges of life with faith and hope.
In our daily lives, we often encounter darkness and uncertainty. We may feel lost, confused, or overwhelmed by the trials we face. But the Transfiguration reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of Christ can shine through. By listening to Him, by seeking His guidance, and by following His example, we can be transformed into reflections of His glory.
One early Christian author, known for his rigorous moral stance and his sharp, often sarcastic, rhetorical style, would have challenged us to examine our lives and to root out any hypocrisy or compromise. He would have reminded us that true transformation requires a commitment to living out our faith with integrity and authenticity.
Conclusion
The Feast of the Transfiguration is a powerful reminder of the divine glory of Christ and the transformative power of faith. As we reflect on this event, let us be inspired to seek moments of encounter with Christ in our own lives. Let us listen to His voice, follow His example, and allow His light to shine through us, transforming us into reflections of His glory. May we, like the disciples on the mountain, be witnesses to His majesty and bearers of His message of hope and salvation to the world.