"At his Transfiguration Christ showed his disciples the splendor of his beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are his." - Thomas Aquinas,Summa Theologiae
Reading: Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, 'Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'
- Matthew 17:1-9
Reflection: We find this scripture right after Jesus has told the disciples of his impending death and resurrection, and when Peter begs Jesus that God must forbid this from happening. More often than not we interpret Peter's response to the Transfiguration as if he is simply trying to hold on to Jesus and keep him for himself. However, if we read it as a response to what Jesus has just told Peter and the disciples, we have to wonder if perhaps Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from experiencing his death and resurrection. Certainly he is still reeling from hearing that news, and still begging God to prevent it from happening.
There is nothing we, nor Peter an do to change the fate of Jesus. We know the story all too well, but the question is: Will respond to Jesus' news like Peter and try to prevent all kinds of suffering and pain, or will we risk the price of weeping and suffering, celebration and surprise when life is somehow redeemed? Come this Sunday as we look at how Jesus has been preparing us for suffering and sadness for quite a while, and how he helps prepare us for this Lenten season to be ended with Easter as we focus this week on the Transfiguration. We welcome all!
Reading: Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, 'Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'
- Matthew 17:1-9
Reflection: We find this scripture right after Jesus has told the disciples of his impending death and resurrection, and when Peter begs Jesus that God must forbid this from happening. More often than not we interpret Peter's response to the Transfiguration as if he is simply trying to hold on to Jesus and keep him for himself. However, if we read it as a response to what Jesus has just told Peter and the disciples, we have to wonder if perhaps Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from experiencing his death and resurrection. Certainly he is still reeling from hearing that news, and still begging God to prevent it from happening.
There is nothing we, nor Peter an do to change the fate of Jesus. We know the story all too well, but the question is: Will respond to Jesus' news like Peter and try to prevent all kinds of suffering and pain, or will we risk the price of weeping and suffering, celebration and surprise when life is somehow redeemed? Come this Sunday as we look at how Jesus has been preparing us for suffering and sadness for quite a while, and how he helps prepare us for this Lenten season to be ended with Easter as we focus this week on the Transfiguration. We welcome all!
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