Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Lectionary: 614
Lectionary: 614
As I watched:
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw:
One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw:
One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Responsorial PsalmPS 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
R. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the
earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Reading 22 PT 1:16-19
Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
AlleluiaMT 17:5C
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 9:2-10
Jesus took Peter,
James, and his brother John,
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Meditation: "This is My Son, the Beloved - Listen to Him!"
Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his
glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus
transfigured on the mountain. Jesus' face changed in appearance and his
clothing became dazzling white (Mark 9:2,3).
When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his
face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29).
Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of
its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus
appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah,
the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles
- Peter, James, and John.
What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus
went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem - his
betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous
decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke
with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to
him. The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which
overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when
the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see
Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
The Lord wants to share his glory with each of us
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.
Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary
so that Paradise would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to
obtain the crown of glory that awaits each one of us, if we will follow in his
footsteps.
Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD), an early church bible scholar
and writer, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives:
"When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun
that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works
of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of
darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the
day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as
demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness."
Stay awake spiritually - Don't miss God's glory and action
Luke's Gospel account tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.
Luke's Gospel account tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.
Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were
privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ
are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face,
beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one
degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2
Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved
disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?
"Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your
word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your
glory."
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
OF THE LORD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, MARK 9:2-10
(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, MARK 9:2-10
(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
KEY VERSE: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (v 7).
TO KNOW: Tradition says that the Transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor, which is in the south of Galilee. Mark says that this event took place near Caesarea Philippi, which is in the north. It is much more likely that the Transfiguration occurred on Mount Hermon which is nearer to Caesarea Philippi. Six days after Jesus' first prediction of his passion (Mk 8:31), he took three of his friends with him to the mountaintop. It was on a mountain that God was revealed to Moses, the liberator and Law-giver, (Ex 19:3) and Elijah, the great prophet (1 Kgs 19:8). The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus was a revelation that Jesus was the new liberator and prophet, but also that suffering and divinity were not mutually exclusive. Jesus' saving death (his "exodus") fulfilled the scriptures, liberating the people from their slavery to sin. Peter was awestruck and proposed that three booths be set up to honor Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Booths, or tents, were used during the harvest feast of Sukkoth, and during the Exodus when God brought the people into the Promised Land. It was also a symbol of the arrival of the Messiah to announce the final age. A cloud descended upon them all, reminiscent of the shekinah glory of God that filled the wilderness tent (Ex 40:35). The voice of God was heard confirming Jesus as God's chosen one. Moses and Elijah vanished from sight, and the disciples beheld only Jesus, the true prophet whose words must be obeyed.
TO LOVE: Lord Jesus, help me to reveal the coming of your kingdom to everyone I meet.
TO SERVE: Do I listen to Jesus' voice and obey him?
Thursday 6 August 2015
THU 6TH.
Transfiguration of the Lord.
Daniel
7:9-10, 13-14. The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth—Ps
96(97):1-2, 5-6, 9. 2 Peter 1:16-19. Mark 9:2-10.
‘This is
my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.’
There is a close link today through all the readings. Daniel is
the visionary, foretelling the coming of the Son of Man. In Matthew, the Father
is trying to tell us, through Peter, James and John, that the Son of Man has
come. Then we have Peter writing to the early church communities of the
revelation he had received on the mountain. What more do we need to be told of
Jesus, of the Father’s affirmation of him, and of the intimate love between the
Father and
the Son?
On the
mountain, the disciples saw the glory of Jesus with Moses and Elijah. Soon they
were plunged into fog through which they heard the voice of the Father,
fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel, reminding them who Jesus was, and leaving
them with the instruction ’Listen to him’.
How often
do I find myself in a fog, not knowing which way to turn, or how to proceed?
Lord Jesus, in these times help me remember the words of the Father. May I be
ready to listen.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Loving Ourselves
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If we really could come in touch with ourselves—not independent of
God but because of the good that God is doing in us—and see that God even
overcomes the evil that’s in us, maybe we can begin to love ourselves.
August
6
Transfiguration of the Lord
Transfiguration of the Lord
All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36). With remarkable agreement, all
three place the event shortly after Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is
the Messiah and Jesus’ first prediction of his passion and death. Peter’s
eagerness to erect tents or booths on the spot suggests it occurred during the
Jewish weeklong, fall Feast of Booths.
In spite
of the texts’ agreement, it is difficult to reconstruct the disciples’
experience, according to Scripture scholars, because the Gospels draw heavily
on Old Testament descriptions of the Sinai encounter with God and prophetic
visions of the Son of Man. Certainly Peter, James and John had a glimpse of
Jesus’ divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. Such an
experience defies description, so they drew on familiar religious language to
describe it. And certainly Jesus warned them that his glory and his suffering
were to be inextricably connected—a theme John highlights throughout his Gospel.
Tradition
names Mt. Tabor as the site of the revelation. A church first raised there in
the fourth century was dedicated on August 6. A feast in honor of the
Transfiguration was celebrated in the Eastern Church from about that time.
Western observance began in some localities about the eighth century.
On July
22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. News of the victory reached
Rome on August 6, and Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar
the following year.
Comment:
One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ’s divinity to catechumens and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desert—affirmation of Jesus’ humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Church’s history; it remains hard for believers to grasp.
One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ’s divinity to catechumens and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desert—affirmation of Jesus’ humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Church’s history; it remains hard for believers to grasp.
Quote:
“At his Transfiguration Christ showed his disciples the splendor of his beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are his: ‘He will reform our lowness configured to the body of his glory’” (Philippians 3:21) (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae).
“At his Transfiguration Christ showed his disciples the splendor of his beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are his: ‘He will reform our lowness configured to the body of his glory’” (Philippians 3:21) (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae).
LECTIO DIVINA:
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (B)
Lectio:
Thursday, August 6, 2015
The transfiguration of Jesus: the cross on the horizon
The passion that leads to glory
Mark 9:2-10
The passion that leads to glory
Mark 9:2-10
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
On this Solemnity, the Church meditates on the Transfiguration
of Jesus in the presence of the three disciples who joined him on the mountain.
The Transfiguration takes place after the first announcement of the death of
Jesus (Lk 9:21-22). This announcement had confused the disciples and especially
Peter. When we take a close look at the small details, we see that the text
describes the transfiguration in a way that makes us aware of how this unusual
experience of Jesus was able to help the disciples overcome the crisis in which
they found themselves. As we read, let us try to pay attention to the
following: "How did the transfiguration take place and what was the
reaction of the disciples towards this experience?"
b) A division of the text to help our reading:
Mark 9:2-4: The Transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of his
disciples
Mark 9:5-6: Peter’s reaction to the transfiguration
Mark 9:7-8: The voice from heaven that explains the meaning of the Transfiguration
Mark 9:9-10: Keeping secret what they had seen
Mark 9:5-6: Peter’s reaction to the transfiguration
Mark 9:7-8: The voice from heaven that explains the meaning of the Transfiguration
Mark 9:9-10: Keeping secret what they had seen
c) Text:
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John
and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their
presence he was transfigured: 3 his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter
than any earthly bleacher could make them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with
Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. 5 Then Peter spoke to Jesus, 'Rabbi,' he
said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one
for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' 6 He did not know what to say; they
were so frightened. 7 And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the
cloud there came a voice, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' 8 Then
suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only
Jesus. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no
one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead. 10
They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed
what 'rising from the dead' could mean.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) Which part of the text did you like most or that touched you
most? Why?
b) How does the transfiguration take place and what is the
reaction of the disciples to this experience?
c) Why does the text present Jesus with brilliant clothes while
he is speaking with Moses and Elijah? Who are Moses and Elijah for Jesus? Who
are they for the disciples?
d) What is the message of the voice from heaven for Jesus? And
what is the message for the disciples?
e) How can we transfigure, today, our personal and
family life and the life of the community in our area?
5. For those who wish to go deeper into the theme
a) The context then and now
The foretelling of the passion sank the disciples into a deep
crisis. They lived among the poor, but in their minds they were confused, lost
as they were in the propaganda of the government and of the official religion
of their time (Mk 8:15). The official religion taught that the Messiah would be
glorious and victorious! That is why Peter reacts strongly against the cross
(Mk 8:32). Someone condemned to die on the cross could not be the Messiah,
rather, according to the Law of God, he had to be considered “cursed by God”
(Dt 21:22-23). In these circumstances, the experience of the Transfiguration of
Jesus was able to help the disciples overcome the trauma of the Cross. In fact,
at the Transfiguration, Jesus appears in glory and speaks with Moses and Elijah
of his Passion and Death (Lk 9:31). The journey towards glory, then, is through
the cross.
In the 70’s, when Mark is writing his Gospel, the Cross was a
great obstacle for the Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah. How could it be
that one crucified, one who died as one marginalized, was the great Messiah
expected for centuries by the people? The cross was an obstacle to believing in
Jesus. "The cross is a scandal," they said (1Cor 1:23). The community
did not know how to respond to the critical questions put to them by the Jews.
One of the great efforts of the early Christians was that of assisting people
to see that the cross was neither scandal nor madness, but rather the
expression of the power and wisdom of God (1Cor 1:22-31). Mark’s Gospel
contributes to that effort. He uses texts from the Old Testament to describe
the scene of the Transfiguration. He shed light on the events of the life of
Jesus and shows that Jesus fulfils the prophecies and that the Cross is the way
that leads to Glory. It was not just the cross of Jesus that was a problem! In
the 70’s, the cross of persecution was part of every-day life for Christians.
In fact, just a little time before, Nero had launched his persecution and many
died. Today too, many people suffer because they are Christians and because
they live the Gospel. How do we approach the cross? What does it mean? With
these questions in mind we meditate and comment on the text of the
transfiguration.
b) A commentary on the text:
Mark 9:2-4: Jesus looks different.
Jesus goes up a high mountain. Luke adds that he goes there to pray (Lk 9:28). There, on the summit of the mountain, Jesus appears in glory in the presence of Peter, James and John. Together with him appear Moses and Elijah. The high mountain recalls Mount Sinai, where in times past, God had made known his will to the people by presenting the law to Moses. The white clothes of Jesus recall Moses shrouded in light as he speaks to God on the Mountain and as he receives the law from God (cf. Ex 34:29-35). Elijah and Moses, the two great authorities of the Old Testament, speak with Jesus. Moses represents the Law and Elijah the prophets. Luke says that they talked about the Death of Jesus in Jerusalem (Lk 9:31). Thus it was clear that the Old Testament, both the Law and the Prophets, taught that the way to glory is through the cross (Cf Is 53).
Jesus goes up a high mountain. Luke adds that he goes there to pray (Lk 9:28). There, on the summit of the mountain, Jesus appears in glory in the presence of Peter, James and John. Together with him appear Moses and Elijah. The high mountain recalls Mount Sinai, where in times past, God had made known his will to the people by presenting the law to Moses. The white clothes of Jesus recall Moses shrouded in light as he speaks to God on the Mountain and as he receives the law from God (cf. Ex 34:29-35). Elijah and Moses, the two great authorities of the Old Testament, speak with Jesus. Moses represents the Law and Elijah the prophets. Luke says that they talked about the Death of Jesus in Jerusalem (Lk 9:31). Thus it was clear that the Old Testament, both the Law and the Prophets, taught that the way to glory is through the cross (Cf Is 53).
Mark 9:5-6: Peter likes what is happening but does not
understand.
Peter likes what is going on and wants this pleasing moment on the Mountain to last. He suggests building three tents. Mark says that Peter was afraid and did not know what he was saying, and Luke adds that the disciples were sleepy (Lk 9:32). For them, as it is for us, it is difficult to understand the Cross!
The description of the transfiguration begins with an affirmation:“Six days later”. What six days are these? Some scholars explain this phrase thus: Peter wants to build three tents, because it was the sixth day of the feast of tents. This was a very popular feast of six days that celebrated the gift of the Law of God and the forty years spent in the desert. To recall these forty years, the people had to spend six days in temporary tents. That is why it was called the Feast of the Tents. If they could not celebrate the whole six days, they had to celebrate at least the sixth day. The affirmation "six days later" would then be an allusion to the feast of the tents. That is why Peter recalls the duty of building tents. And spontaneously, he offers himself to build the tents. Thus Jesus, Moses and Elijah would have been able to go on talking.
Peter likes what is going on and wants this pleasing moment on the Mountain to last. He suggests building three tents. Mark says that Peter was afraid and did not know what he was saying, and Luke adds that the disciples were sleepy (Lk 9:32). For them, as it is for us, it is difficult to understand the Cross!
The description of the transfiguration begins with an affirmation:“Six days later”. What six days are these? Some scholars explain this phrase thus: Peter wants to build three tents, because it was the sixth day of the feast of tents. This was a very popular feast of six days that celebrated the gift of the Law of God and the forty years spent in the desert. To recall these forty years, the people had to spend six days in temporary tents. That is why it was called the Feast of the Tents. If they could not celebrate the whole six days, they had to celebrate at least the sixth day. The affirmation "six days later" would then be an allusion to the feast of the tents. That is why Peter recalls the duty of building tents. And spontaneously, he offers himself to build the tents. Thus Jesus, Moses and Elijah would have been able to go on talking.
Mark 9:7: The voice from heaven shed light on the
events.
As soon as Jesus is shrouded in glory, a voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him!" The expression "Beloved Son" recalls the figure of the Servant Messiah, proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 42:1). The expression "Listen to him" recalls the prophecy that promised the coming of the new Moses (cf. Dt 18:15). In Jesus, the prophecies of the Old Testament are being fulfilled. The disciples could not doubt this. The Christians of the 70’s could not doubt this. Jesus is truly theglorious Messiah, but the way to glory is through the cross, the second proclamation made in the prophecy of the Servant (Is 53:3-9). The glory of the Transfiguration is proof of this. Moses and Elijah confirm this. The Father is the guarantor of this. Jesus accepts this.
As soon as Jesus is shrouded in glory, a voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him!" The expression "Beloved Son" recalls the figure of the Servant Messiah, proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 42:1). The expression "Listen to him" recalls the prophecy that promised the coming of the new Moses (cf. Dt 18:15). In Jesus, the prophecies of the Old Testament are being fulfilled. The disciples could not doubt this. The Christians of the 70’s could not doubt this. Jesus is truly theglorious Messiah, but the way to glory is through the cross, the second proclamation made in the prophecy of the Servant (Is 53:3-9). The glory of the Transfiguration is proof of this. Moses and Elijah confirm this. The Father is the guarantor of this. Jesus accepts this.
Mark 9:8: Only Jesus and no one else!
Mark says that after the vision, the disciples see only Jesus and no one else. The emphasis on the affirmation that they see only Jesus suggests that from now on Jesus is the only revelation of God for us! For us Christians, Jesus, and only Jesus, is the key to understanding the complete meaning of the Old Testament.
Mark says that after the vision, the disciples see only Jesus and no one else. The emphasis on the affirmation that they see only Jesus suggests that from now on Jesus is the only revelation of God for us! For us Christians, Jesus, and only Jesus, is the key to understanding the complete meaning of the Old Testament.
Mark 9: 9-10: Knowing how to keep silent.
Jesus asks his disciples not to say anything to anyone until he would have risen from the dead, but the disciples do not understand him. Indeed, anyone who does not link suffering to the resurrection, does not understand the meaning of the Cross. Jesus is stronger than death.
Jesus asks his disciples not to say anything to anyone until he would have risen from the dead, but the disciples do not understand him. Indeed, anyone who does not link suffering to the resurrection, does not understand the meaning of the Cross. Jesus is stronger than death.
Mark 9:11-13: The return of the prophet Elijah.
The prophet Malachi had proclaimed that Elijah was to return to prepare the way of the Messiah (Ml 3:23-24). This same proclamation is also found in the book of Ecclesiastes (Ec 48:10). Then, how could Jesus be the Messiah if Elijah had not returned yet? That is why the disciples asked: “Why do the Scribes say that Elijah must come first?” (9:11). Jesus’ reply is clear: “I tell you that Elijah has come and they have treated him as they pleased, just as the scriptures say about him” (9: 13). Jesus was referring to John the Baptist who was murdered by Herod (Mt 17:13).
The prophet Malachi had proclaimed that Elijah was to return to prepare the way of the Messiah (Ml 3:23-24). This same proclamation is also found in the book of Ecclesiastes (Ec 48:10). Then, how could Jesus be the Messiah if Elijah had not returned yet? That is why the disciples asked: “Why do the Scribes say that Elijah must come first?” (9:11). Jesus’ reply is clear: “I tell you that Elijah has come and they have treated him as they pleased, just as the scriptures say about him” (9: 13). Jesus was referring to John the Baptist who was murdered by Herod (Mt 17:13).
c) Further information:
i) The Transfiguration: the change that takes place in the
practice of Jesus
In the middle of conflicts with the Pharisees and Herodians (Mk
8:11-21), Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to the region of Caesarea Philippi (Mk
8:27), where he begins to prepare his disciples. On the way, he puts a question
to them: "Who do people say I am?" (Mk 8:27) After listening to their
reply that they considered him the Messiah, Jesus begins to speak of his
passion and death (Mk 8:31). Peter reacts: "Heaven preserve you,
Lord!" (Mt 16:22). Jesus replies: "Get behind me, Satan! You are an
obstacle in my path, because you are thinking not as God thinks but as human
beings do!" (Mk 8:33) This was a moment of crisis for the disciples, who
still held on to the thought of a glorious Messiah (Mk 8:32-33; 9:32), not
understanding Jesus’ reply and trying to divert it in another direction. It was
close to the feast of the Tents, (cf Lk 9:33), when the popular messianic
expectation was much stronger than usual. Jesus goes up the mountain to pray
(Lk 9:28). He overcomes temptation by prayer. The revelation of the Kingdom was
different from that which the people imagined. The victory of the Servant would
take place through the death sentence (Is 50:4-9; 53:1-12). The cross appears
on the horizon, not just as a possibility, but as a certainty. From this moment
on a change takes place in Jesus’ practice. Here are some important signs of
this change:
Few miracles. At first there are many miracles. Now, beginning with Mk 8:27;
Mt 16:13 and Lk 9:18, miracles are almost an exception in Jesus’ activities.
Proclaiming the Passion. Earlier there was talk of the passion as a remote possibility
(Mk 3:6). Now there is constant talk of it (Mk 8:31; 9:9.31; 10:33.38).
Taking up the Cross. Earlier, Jesus proclaimed the imminent coming of the Kingdom.
Now he insists on watchfulness, the demands on those who follow him and the
necessity to take up one’s cross (Mt 16:24-26; 19:27-30; 24:42-51; 25:1-13; Mk
8:34; 10:28-31; Lk 9:23-26.57-62; 12:8-9.35-48; 14:25-33; 17:33; 18:28-30).
He teaches the disciples. Earlier he taught the people. Now he is more
concerned with the formation of his disciples. He asks them to choose again (Jn
6:67) and begins to prepare them for the future mission. He goes out of the
city so as to stay with them and busy himself with their formation (Mk 8:27;
9:28. 30-35; 10:10.23.28-32; 11:11).
Different parables. Earlier, the parables revealed the mystery of the Kingdom
present in the activities of Jesus. Now the parables tend towards the future
judgement, at the end of time: the murderous vine growers (Mt 21:33-46); the
merciless servant (Mt 18:23-35), the workers of the eleventh hour (Mt 20:1-16),
the two sons (Mt 21:28-32), the wedding banquet (Mt 22:1-14), the ten talents
(Mt 25:14-30).
Jesus accepts the will of the Father that is revealed in the new situation and decides to go to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51). He takes this decision with such determination as to frighten his disciples, who cannot understand what is going on (Mk 10:32; Lk 18:31-34). In the society of that time, the proclamation of the Kingdom as Jesus proclaimed it, could not be tolerated. So either he had to change or he had to die! Jesus did not change his proclamation. He continued to be faithful to the Father and to the poor. That is why he was sentenced to death!
Jesus accepts the will of the Father that is revealed in the new situation and decides to go to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51). He takes this decision with such determination as to frighten his disciples, who cannot understand what is going on (Mk 10:32; Lk 18:31-34). In the society of that time, the proclamation of the Kingdom as Jesus proclaimed it, could not be tolerated. So either he had to change or he had to die! Jesus did not change his proclamation. He continued to be faithful to the Father and to the poor. That is why he was sentenced to death!
ii) The transfiguration and the return of the prophet Elijah
In Mark’s Gospel, the scene of the transfiguration is linked to
the question of the return of the prophet Elijah (Mk 9:9-13). In those days,
people expected the return of the prophet Elijah and were not aware that Elijah
had already returned in the person of John the Baptist (Mk 9:13). The same
thing happens today. Many people live in expectation of the return of Jesus and
even write on the walls of cities: Jesus will return! They are
not aware that Jesus is already present in our lives. Every now and then, like
an unexpected flash of lightning, this presence of Jesus breaks out and shines,
transforming our lives. A question that each one us should ask is: Has my faith
in Jesus offered me a moment of transfiguration and intense joy? How have such
moments of joy given me strength in moments of difficulties?
6. The prayer of a Psalm: Psalm 27 (26)
The Lord is my light
Yahweh is my light and my salvation,
whom should I fear?
Yahweh is the fortress of my life,
whom should I dread?
When the wicked advance against me to eat me up,
they, my opponents, my enemies,
are the ones who stumble and fall.
Though an army pitch camp against me,
my heart will not fear,
though war break out against me,
my trust will never be shaken.
One thing I ask of Yahweh,
one thing I seek:
to dwell in Yahweh's house all the days of my life,
to enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh,
to seek out his temple.
For he hides me away under his roof on the day of evil,
he folds me in the recesses of his tent,
sets me high on a rock.
Now my head is held high above the enemies who surround me;
in his tent I will offer sacrifices of acclaim. I will sing,
I will make music for Yahweh.
Yahweh, hear my voice as I cry,
pity me, answer me!
Of you my heart has said,
'Seek his face!'
Your face, Yahweh, I seek;
do not turn away from me.
Do not thrust aside your servant in anger,
without you I am helpless.
Never leave me, never forsake me,
God, my Saviour.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
Yahweh will gather me up.
Yahweh, teach me your way,
lead me on the path of integrity because of my enemies;
do not abandon me to the will of my foes
- false witnesses have risen against me,
and are breathing out violence.
This I believe: I shall see the goodness of Yahweh,
in the land of the living.
Put your hope in Yahweh,
be strong,
let your heart be bold,
put your hope in Yahweh.
whom should I fear?
Yahweh is the fortress of my life,
whom should I dread?
When the wicked advance against me to eat me up,
they, my opponents, my enemies,
are the ones who stumble and fall.
Though an army pitch camp against me,
my heart will not fear,
though war break out against me,
my trust will never be shaken.
One thing I ask of Yahweh,
one thing I seek:
to dwell in Yahweh's house all the days of my life,
to enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh,
to seek out his temple.
For he hides me away under his roof on the day of evil,
he folds me in the recesses of his tent,
sets me high on a rock.
Now my head is held high above the enemies who surround me;
in his tent I will offer sacrifices of acclaim. I will sing,
I will make music for Yahweh.
Yahweh, hear my voice as I cry,
pity me, answer me!
Of you my heart has said,
'Seek his face!'
Your face, Yahweh, I seek;
do not turn away from me.
Do not thrust aside your servant in anger,
without you I am helpless.
Never leave me, never forsake me,
God, my Saviour.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
Yahweh will gather me up.
Yahweh, teach me your way,
lead me on the path of integrity because of my enemies;
do not abandon me to the will of my foes
- false witnesses have risen against me,
and are breathing out violence.
This I believe: I shall see the goodness of Yahweh,
in the land of the living.
Put your hope in Yahweh,
be strong,
let your heart be bold,
put your hope in Yahweh.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to
understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions
and grant us the strength to practice that which your Word has revealed to us.
May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but also practice the Word.
You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever
and ever. Amen.
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