RBWords

     The "transfiguration" describes a collective religious experience on the part of three disciples with Jesus on a mountain!  For many scripture scholars, it represents a very difficult event to explain.  Some think it is a "resurrection" story that has been placed out of sequence, as it were.  Others, notably John Pilch, in his THE CULTURAL WORLD OF JESUS, says that Mediterranean culture experiences "alternate reality" as a common thing and only a skeptical Western empiricism prevents the understanding of this event as a way in which the Father reinforces the identity of Jesus in the disciples closest to Jesus.  The disciples, in Pilch's understanding, have an "alternate reality" experience of Jesus.

      What we do know is that the experience terrified the disciples and they did not speak about it till after Jesus' death!  We might call the experience "eerie" as one of those experiences where something triggers memories and feelings that we recognize but can't quite explain.  Much of religious experience, especially what is called "mystical experience" is like this.  We become aware of God's presence is a powerful but unexplainable way.  The description of Jesus during the transfiguration definitely show a person in ecstasy.

     It seems to me that if we allow ourselves to be open to an encounter with God, that encounter will sooner or later occur in a way that is more than just the everyday sacramental religious experience or loving interaction with our neighbor (important as these are!).  We won't be able to explain it but it will be unforgettable and powerful.  Today's gospel features a revelation made to three very frightened disciples.  But we need not be afraid.  Perhaps Lent offers us an opportunity to open ourselves to God in new and challenging ways.  We may come to know Jesus far better than ever before.  AMEN