The Transfiguration

In this week's Gospel, we hear of the Transfiguration. 

Jesus leads Peter, James, and John to a  mountaintop. Here, Jesus undergoes transfiguration – he radiates like the sun, and his garments becoming brilliantly white.

Suddenly, Moses and Elijah, Prophets from the Old Testament, appear before them. Peter, filled with awe and reverence, suggests constructing three tents – one for each of them. At this moment, a voice comes down from the heavens saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor. Listen to him." Overwhelmed, the disciples fall to the ground themselves, but Jesus encourages them to stand and not be afraid. 

This event holds deep theological significance. One element is the presence of Moses and Elijah, embodying the Law and the prophets in Hebrew tradition. This connection firmly links Jesus to the narratives of the Old Testament. While contemporary Judaism continues to await the Messiah, Christians recognize Jesus as this fulfillment.

We can learn some important messages from this passage. First, it serves as a reminder that Jesus was born of Jewish heritage. Additionally, this event  shows the links with others faith traditions; Islam, for instance, reveres Jesus as a Prophet, with the Quran containing parallels to Christian scripture. Notably, the Old Testament comprises the Jewish Torah.

This week invites us to reflect on us as members of God's family. We find ourselves as spiritual siblings, united by our faith, and perhaps even as cousins in faith when we consider the broader religious landscape. The human need to connect with something beyond ourselves is something that is found in all cultures throughout history.

This week was are challenged to delve deeper into another faith tradition by engaging in conversations with friends, researching stories from the Old Testament and their connectiongs with the New Testament. Finally, we can pray to God asking that we can be transformed just like Jesus to be the best versions of ourselves. 

O God,

We open our eyes and we see Jesus,

the months of ministry transfigured to a beam of light,

the light of the world,

your light.

May your light shine upon us.

We open our eyes and we see Moses and Elijah,

your word restoring us, showing us the way,

telling a story,

your story, his story, our story.

May your word speak to us.

We open our eyes and we see mist,

the cloud of your presence

which assures us of all we do not know

and that we do not need to fear that.

Teach us to trust.

We open our eyes and we see Peter’s constructions,

his best plans, our best plans,

our missing the point,

our missing the way.

Forgive our foolishness and sin

We open our eyes and we see Jesus,

not casting us off,

but leading us down, leading us out -

to ministry, to people.

Your love endures forever.

We open our ears and we hear your voice,

‘This is my beloved Son, listen to him!’

And we give you thanks.

St John Vianney, 

Pray For Us