Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
We often speak of the ups and downs of life – the peaks and the valleys. Peak experiences carry real power. After such a special moment, it’s easy to be ‘in the clouds’ on ‘cloud nine.’ A special moment stays with us for some time. We might experience that after a very inspirational retreat. Such moments open our eyes to something new about ourselves, our relationship with God, with others.
This is what Peter, James, and John experienced when Jesus took them up the mountain with him. Suddenly, they had a vision like never before. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. And they saw Jesus as they had never seen him before. They really were awakened at this sight. They didn’t know just what to do, but they knew something tremendous was happening. They surely were amazed, awestruck, and even a bit afraid. They were getting a glimpse of the glory that was to come, a picture of the crown that awaited Jesus.
They witnessed a moment that stated emphatically that YES, JESUS was indeed the MESSIAH. This moment had an unimaginable impact on them. This event combined the past and looked to the future all in one moment of vision, one glimpse of glory. This awesome event on the mountain was meant to show them where Jesus was headed.
His would be the glory hinted at in the scene on the mountain. It could be seen as an ultimate utterance. Do not be afraid — do not fear what will come. Jesus was transfigured and continued to walk his path to Jerusalem to death and resurrection. Peter was being transformed amid life’s situations. And so are we. We are transformed as we walk with the Lord. Sometimes we experience glimpses of that change, a hint of where we’re headed.
We need to reflect on that change — where it is the Lord is leading us, how the Lord would have us change, and how we might want to change. And no matter how difficult it may seem; we are given hope. We are given confidence. Moses was changed. Peter was changed. Jesus was transfigured. Through him, death would lead to life. From his death came new life, our life. That is more than a glimpse. That is the truth. That is our promise. And we can believe in this promise because it comes from God.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections