Word to the Wise
Sunday, August 6, 2023 - Aug 6: The Transfiguration of the Lord
[Dan 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; A: Matt 17:1-9 B: Mark 9:2-10 C: Luke 9:28b-36,54]Jesus took Peter, James and John, 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. Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. [Matthew]
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023 - THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
[Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9]
Jesus took Peter, James and John, 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. Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. [Matthew]
There is no question that the three disciples were given a glimpse of the complete Jesus! To three humble fishermen, it must have been overwhelming - too much theology!!! The appearance of Moses and Elijah is an indication of Jesus' fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Some scholars suggest that the experience was a kind of foretaste of Jesus' resurrection since he tells the disciples not to talk about it until he was raised from the dead.
The story has its own implications for a believer 2000 years later. Behind the Sermon on the Mount and the two greatest commandments of love of God and neighbor is the very person of God. The revelation on the mountain is given to us to consider as well. Jesus is not just teacher and preacher like many others in his day. He not only personifies the law and the prophets, he is Lord of creation. If we find that a lot to think about, consider the three disciples and their fears in witnessing the revelation (a theophany). What the feast of the Transfiguration does is to remind us of Jesus' complete identity in the midst of all the parables, miracles, etc. that make up so much of the gospel story. Yes, it IS a bit (or more) overwhelming! AMEN