Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
POINTERS FOR PRAYER
1. The transfiguration experience was one that, for Jesus, clarified his relationship with his Father and strengthened him for the future. What have been the experiences, the moments of insight, that have clarified your sense of who you are, and what is your relationship with God?
2. On the mountain the disciples saw Jesus in a new way. Sometimes in friendship there are moments of sharing in which we get to know a friend in a new and deeper way. Have you had that experience in human friendship, or in your relationship with Jesus and God? Recall when that happened, and what it was like for you.
3. The clear vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah was followed by a frightening experience of being in a cloud and it was in the midst of the cloud that the disciples were instructed “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him”. Have you had the experience of learning the truth about life and about your relationship with God from moments of confusion as well as from times of special joy?
4. After their special experience the disciples came down the mountain again. We cannot live each day at the level of special spiritual experiences, but the memory of them can strengthen us in difficult times. What memories encourage you in times of trouble??
Every so often, we catch a glimpse of the “something more” that God has in store for us. These fleeting experiences are to be treasured: the birth of my first child, falling in love, a sense of “being held” by God’s presence. Such experiences may help us approach the Transfiguration. Like all transcendent experiences, it is fleeting and yet it etches a memory and leaves a longing. What should we do? Practice listening to him. Be not afraid. We cannot always be “on the mountain” and yet what happens on the heights can help us on the lowlands of the everyday.