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     The event traditionally called "the Transfiguration" is included in all three of the "synoptic" gospels, which is an indicator of its importance in the story of Jesus' life and ministry.  What is not so clear is the WHY? One common interpretation is that this event "balances" the prediction of Jesus' suffering and death which he makes shortly before he takes Peter, James and John up that mountain. As we know, in the Bible, big things happen on mountains!  

     The lectionary picks up on the thread of the sacrifice of the Beloved Son by including the story of Abraham being called upon to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and the passage from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans: He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him.  Isaac is the only and beloved son of Abraham.  Jesus is identified on the mountain as the "beloved Son."  The Gospel of Luke goes so far as to say that Moses and Elijah were talking about Jesus' "exodus" in Jerusalem.

     The whole event is full of symbolism and leaves a lot of questions that scripture scholars love to ponder.  We can be reminded that Lent comes to an end in Holy Week when we celebrate Jesus' "exodus".  It is really only then that the disciples grasp the full meaning of his identity.  Perhaps we can wait until then, too!  AMEN