Transfigured

It is a bit of an understatement to say there is a lot going on in the account of the Transfiguration. There are tons of things to dig into and so uncover a wealth of meaning: Father, Son and Holy Spirit together on the mountain top; Moses and Elijah representing the Law and Prophets; Peter wanting to build some tents right then and there; and of course, “And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” What is the meaning of this transfiguration? In short, it is the revealing to the disciples of the true nature of Jesus – truly man and truly God. Continue reading

Transfiguration: context

Transfig28 About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. (Luke 9:28-36) Continue reading

Transfiguration and Glory

The-Theory-of-Everything-c2Every year the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent is always one of the accounts of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Be it written by Matthew, Mark, or Luke, each account speaks of Jesus transfigured so that the Glory of God, the Shekhinah, is revealed to the disciples in the person of Jesus. Today, you will hear Mark’s version (9:2-10). The meaning of the Transfiguration is complex and varied, but among its meanings, is that it points to the glory that awaits us as co-heirs of eternal life, and that Christ “has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4) It’s a lot to ponder, pray, and reflect upon: are we somehow to share in the Glory revealed on that mountain top? It is mystery, indeed. Continue reading