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: Listen to my beloved Son
Are you prepared to see the glory of the Lord and to
share in his glory as well? The Lord Jesus is eager to share his glory with us!
We get a glimpse of this when some of the disciples see Jesus transfigured in
glory on a high mountain. [In many churches of the east and
west this event is celebrated as a major feast on August 6.] Jesus often went
to a lonely place to pray - to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the
crowds. But on this occasion, Jesus' face became radiant like the sun and his
clothing became dazzling white (Matthew 17: 2 and Luke 9:29).
This vision of radiant light and glory is prefigured
in the prophecy of Daniel. In chapter 7 of the Book of Daniel in the Old
Testament we see a vision of the "Son of Man who came with the clouds of
heaven" and was presented before the royal court of heaven and the
"Ancient of Days" who is clothed in a radiant garment "white as
snow" (Daniel 7:9,13). The prophet Daniel foretold that God would send his
Anointed One, the Son of Man who would come on the clouds of heaven to
bring God's reign of glory and righteousness on the earth (see Daniel 7:13-15).
Daniel's vision describes a royal investiture of a human king before God's
throne. The Son of Man is a Messianic title for God's anointed
King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament word for "Messiah" is
"Christ" which literally means the "Anointed One" or the
"Anointed King". God sent us his Son not to establish an earthly
kingdom but to bring us into his heavenly kingdom - a kingdom ruled by truth,
justice, peace, and holiness. The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus'
mission. It's the core of his Gospel message.
The Lord Jesus came to fulfill all that
Moses and the prophets spoke
Jesus on three occasions told his disciples that he would undergo suffering and death on a cross to fulfill the mission the Father gave him. As the time draws near for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, he takes three of his beloved disciples to the top of a high mountain. Just as Moses and Elijah were led to the mountain of God to discern their ultimate call and mission, so Jesus now appears with Moses and Elijah on the highest mountain overlooking the summit of the promised land. Matthew's Gospel tells us that Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light (Matthew 17:2).
Jesus on three occasions told his disciples that he would undergo suffering and death on a cross to fulfill the mission the Father gave him. As the time draws near for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, he takes three of his beloved disciples to the top of a high mountain. Just as Moses and Elijah were led to the mountain of God to discern their ultimate call and mission, so Jesus now appears with Moses and Elijah on the highest mountain overlooking the summit of the promised land. Matthew's Gospel tells us that Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light (Matthew 17:2).
Jesus reveals his glory to the apostles and to us
Why did Jesus appear in dazzling light with Moses and Elijah? The book of Exodus tells us that when Moses had met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (Exodus 34:29). Paul the Apostle wrote that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). After Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, had destroyed all the priests and idols of Baal in the land, he took refuge on the mountain of God at Sinai. There God showed Elijah his glory in great thunder, whirlwind, and fire, and then spoke with him in a still quiet voice. God questioned Elijah, "What are you doing here?" And then directed him to go and fulfill the mission given him by God. Jesus, likewise, appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, as if to confirm with them that he, too, is ready to fulfill the mission which the Father has sent him to accomplish.
Why did Jesus appear in dazzling light with Moses and Elijah? The book of Exodus tells us that when Moses had met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (Exodus 34:29). Paul the Apostle wrote that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). After Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, had destroyed all the priests and idols of Baal in the land, he took refuge on the mountain of God at Sinai. There God showed Elijah his glory in great thunder, whirlwind, and fire, and then spoke with him in a still quiet voice. God questioned Elijah, "What are you doing here?" And then directed him to go and fulfill the mission given him by God. Jesus, likewise, appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, as if to confirm with them that he, too, is ready to fulfill the mission which the Father has sent him to accomplish.
Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what
awaited him in Jerusalem - 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
was faithful and willing to obey him in everything. 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).
Christ's way to glory
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 blessing of my Father's kingdom - your name, too, will be written in heaven. Jesus fulfilled his mission on Calvary where he died for our sins so that Paradise and everlasting life would be restored to us. He embraced the cross to win a crown of glory - a crown that awaits each one of us, if we, too, will follow in his footsteps.
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 blessing of my Father's kingdom - your name, too, will be written in heaven. Jesus fulfilled his mission on Calvary where he died for our sins so that Paradise and everlasting life would be restored to us. He embraced the cross to win a crown of glory - a crown that awaits each one of us, if we, too, will follow in his footsteps.
Origen (185-254 AD), a noted early church bible
scholar and teacher, explains the significance of Jesus' transfiguration for
our own lives:
"Do you wish to see the
transfiguration of Jesus? Behold with me the Jesus of the Gospels. Let him be
simply apprehended. There he is beheld both "according to the flesh"
and at the same time in his true divinity. He is beheld in the form of God
according to our capacity for knowledge. This is how he was beheld by those who
went up upon the lofty mountain to be apart with him. Meanwhile those who do
not go up the mountain can still behold his works and hear his words, which are
uplifting. It is before those who go up that Jesus is transfigured, and not to
those below. When he is transfigured, his face 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. They are no longer the children of darkness or
night but have become the children of day. They walk honestly as in the day.
Being manifested, he will shine to them not simply as the sun but as he is
demonstrated to be, the sun of righteousness." (Commentary on Matthew)
Luke's Gospel 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.
We are partakers of his glory
Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Jesus 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?
Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Jesus 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 to you, to your
word, your action, and your constant presence in my life. Let me see your
glory."
A Daily Quote for Lent: Listen to Him, by Leo the Great, 400?-461 A.D.
"A voice from the cloud said, This is my
beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. I am manifested
through his preaching. I am glorified through his humility. So listen to him
without hesitation. He is the truth and the life. He is my strength and wisdom.
"Listen to him" whom the mysteries of the law foreshadowed, of whom
the mouths of the prophets sang. "Listen to him" who by his blood
redeemed the world, who binds the devil and seizes his vessels, who breaks the
debt of sin and the bondage of iniquity. "Listen to him" who opens
the way to heaven and by the pain of the cross prepares for you the steps of
ascent into his kingdom." (excerpt
from Sermon 38,7)
FEAST OF THE
TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
MONDAY, 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 to 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. 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 Exodus when God brought the people into the Promised Land, and later at the harvest feast of Sukkoth. 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. Then Moses and Elijah vanished from sight, and the disciples beheld only Jesus, the true prophet whose words must be obeyed.
TO LOVE: Do I listen to Jesus' voice and obey him?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to reveal the coming of your kingdom to everyone I meet.
MONDAY, 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 to 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. 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 Exodus when God brought the people into the Promised Land, and later at the harvest feast of Sukkoth. 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. Then Moses and Elijah vanished from sight, and the disciples beheld only Jesus, the true prophet whose words must be obeyed.
TO LOVE: Do I listen to Jesus' voice and obey him?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to reveal the coming of your kingdom to everyone I meet.
Hiroshima Remembrance Day
Hiroshima Day is a fitting day to pray for peace in our world, and for nuclear disarmament and an end to the arms race. God who created this world and revealed your love for all people in Jesus Christ, empower us to work for peace with justice, cooperating with all people of goodwill. We pray that your Holy Spirit may go throughout the world this day, reminding all rulers and peoples of the horror of nuclear weapons and engendering in all a desire to stop nuclear proliferation, and to end the reliance on military force to resolve political and economic disputes. Give to all humankind a vision of a world where weapons have been banished, and everyone works for the good of humankind and the environment. Lord hear our prayer.
"On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and return to the ways of peace. You may claim to seek justice. I too believe in justice and seek justice. But violence only delays the day of justice. Violence destroys the work of justice."
St.John Paul II, Pope 1978-2005
Monday 6 August
2018
The Transfiguration of the Lord.
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Psalm 96(97):1-2, 5-6, 9. 2 Peter 1:16-19.
Mark 9:2-10.
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth—Psalm
96(97):1-2, 5-6, 9.
‘I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man.’
In today’s Gospel, the Father is telling us, through Peter,
James and John, that the Son of Man has come. What more do we need to be told
of Jesus, of the Father’s affirmation of him, and of the intimate love of the
Father?
On the mountain, the disciples see the glory of Jesus with Moses
and Elijah. Soon they are plunged into a cloud through which they hear the
voice of the Father. The voice reminds them who Jesus is, and leaves them with
the instruction ‘Listen to him’. As they come off the mountain, they would do
well to heed this advice.
Transfiguration of the Lord
Saint of the Day for August 6
 |
| Stained glass window, Mielno, Poland | photo by Tineau |
The Story of the 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
week-long Jewish Feast of Booths in the fall.
According to Scripture scholars, in spite of the texts’
agreement it is difficult to reconstruct the disciples’ experience, 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 Mount 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.
Reflection
One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday
of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ’s divinity to the Elect 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.
LECTIO DIVINA: THE
TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Lectio Divina:
Monday, August 6, 2018
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 the glorious 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 the glorious 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 Sirach (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 Sirach (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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