The meaning of Jesus’ transfiguration

by Shiu Lan 2017-03-10

Shiu Lan 2017-03-12

Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 12:1-4A
The LORD said to Abram: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you. "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you." Abram went as the LORD directed him.

2 Timothy 1:8B-10
Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, 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."

In this Sunday's Gospel Reading, we heard the narrative of Jesus' transfiguration before his apostles, Peter, James and John. I always find this passage empowering, so I read with intense interest an article about Mount Tabor, the mountain identified by biblical scholars as the mountain where the transfiguration happened. It was written by Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., and published in the Messenger of St. Anthony (Feb 2017 issue).

Mount Tabor is about 575 meters high, not an especially high mountain but it is not part of a mountain chain and stands as a sentinel over an important highway that leads to Damascus and was thus an important strategic site over the troubled history of Israel. In Jesus' time, it was not an easy site to reach. One had to climb 4,340 steps to reach the top.

Fr. Winkler said that for an instant, the veil was rolled back for the apostles to have a glimpse of Jesus' divine nature and the truth about Jesus. This was essential for they were shortly to witness Jesus' passion and death on the cross and this will give them the courage to survive that tragedy, to give them some insight into the deeper meaning of his death and resurrection.

Most of us have a similar experience in our spiritual lives. What Fr. Winkler wrote spoke to my heart: “We are going along or meditating or praying, and for an instant we have a sense of being in the presence of God. For that instant, everything suddenly makes sense. For us, it is as if the veil is rolled back as well. Then the dog barks or the phone rings and we have to go back to normal life.” God gives us those insights so that “we might have the courage to continue on the pathway of everyday life. Life can be difficult and confusing and we need that little bit of encouragement and insight to be able to carry on.”

I never really know why I always find the transfiguration narrative empowering especially when I am battered by worries and anxieties, when I am weak in the heart and soul and in need of a boost of spirit from the divine. Now I am enlightened.

Transfiguration

Shiu Lan

Shiu Lan is your Catholic neighbour with a simple faith and likes praying the Rosary. With a B.Sc from the University of Hong Kong, she worked in Information Technology and Project Management before working with joy at home.

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