REFLECTION

 Gospel  

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead”.

Matthew 17: 1-9

Reflection

Today’s readings accompany the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord. Jesus’ three closest companions, Peter, James, and John, accompany him in climbing a mountain to find a place to pray. Peter, James, and John are “overcome by sleep,” dozing off until they awaken to wonders in their midst. This was no dream. Moses and Elijah are conversing with Jesus, each of them in a glorified state.

Peter awkwardly responds by offering to make three tents for them. That was not going to happen, as they are in a remote place without the proper materials and implements.  Just as we sometimes do, Peter started talking before his brain had engaged, presumably to give himself time to think. Afterwards, he probably exclaimed “Doh!” or something similar in his language. A voice disrupts their collective stupor, saying “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” Peter fell silent in response, and he apparently stopped talking for a while afterwards. Listening is hard to do when you are talking, especially when you try them simultaneously.

This encounter with the divine mystery filled a reservoir of faith to nourish and encourage Peter, James, and John in the troubling days to come. One can imagine that our Lord was also encouraged and strengthened by conversing with Elijah and Moses about “his exodus that he [Jesus] was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.”  Indeed, Jesus would also lead many to freedom from the bondage of our sins through his passion, another mystery which was yet to unfold in Jerusalem.

Our faith depends on revelation of the divine mystery of God, who draws us into this mystery. The wonders of the created world testify to a Creator, kindling a desire to pay homage to the One who created, even though we do not yet know him. The light of truth is revealed little by little throughout a long history of encounters and events, revealing still more, until God himself comes to us through His Son.    

Few of us are privileged to have firsthand experiences with miraculous events.  But the faithful retelling of these events help to draw us deeper into the divine mystery, which continues to be revealed as we live out a relationship with God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – our father, our brother, and our helper – through the Church and with the help of the sacraments. As we continue to sojourn here, sustained by these good gifts, we also await the day when we become eyewitnesses ourselves, seeing our Lord face to face and beholding the goodness that God has prepared for those who love him.  

Lord, draw us to yourself and sustain our faith, helping us to know that you have not left the Earth without witnesses to your glory, love, and mercy.  We pray especially for those who have lost their way, who need a touch from you.  

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader