Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Lectionary: 614
Lectionary: 614
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.
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.
GospelLK 9:28B-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up a mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
and went up a mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
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 some of the disciples see Jesus transfigured in
glory on a high mountain.
[In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches, 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 radiated with light and his clothing became dazzling white
(Luke 9:29).
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.
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."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The transfiguration of Jesus, by
Jerome (347-420 AD)
"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 (Romans 13:12). 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." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12.37.10)
FEAST OF THE
TRANSFIGURATION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, LUKE 9:28b-36
(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, LUKE 9:28b-36
(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
KEY VERSE: "Then from a cloud came a voice that said, `This is my chosen Son; listen to him'" (v. 35).
TO KNOW: Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, up a mountain to pray. There, he became transfigured with God's glory. The mount of the transfiguration is traditionally associated with Mount Tabor, but it is more likely Mount Hermon, fourteen miles from Caesarea Philippi where Jesus just asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (9:20). The mountain was a unique place of God's revelation. Moses, the great liberator, received the law on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:3,916; 34:27-29) and the great prophet Elijah experienced God's presence on Mount Horeb (1 Kgs 19:8). The Transfiguration 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, freeing the people from their slavery to sin. Jesus was God's chosen one to whom the people must listen (Dt 18:15). Peter saw Jesus as a tabernacle of God's presence, and desired to abide on the mountain in tents, an allusion to the exodus journey in the wilderness (Lv. 23:41-43). But the disciples could not stay in the glory of the mountain; they must return to face the difficult road that lay ahead.
TO LOVE: Do I try to listen to Jesus' voice every day?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, how good it is to be in your presence.
Tuesday 6 August 2019
The Transfiguration of The Lord
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Psalm 96(97):1-2, 5-6, 9. 2 Peter 1:16-19.
Luke 9:28-36.
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth – Psalm
96(97):1-2, 5-6, 9.
‘They were terrified as they entered the cloud.’
The word ‘cloud’ leapt out as I reflected on today’s readings.
Peter, James and John were covered by a cloud in the Transfiguration story,
there are ‘clouds of heaven’ in Daniel’s vision, and cloud surrounds God in the
psalm. The disciples were afraid when the cloud came upon them. They had been
with Jesus, and now he had disappeared. I remember being in cloud at one time
when climbing in the alps, and that put fear into me.
However clouds are not always physical. We can be in a ‘cloud’
when we are faced with a hard decision. How will we choose? Sometimes we can
experience times of shadow, when a cloud hangs heavily over us. That too may be
a difficult time.
Lord, when my cloud comes, teach me to remember Daniel’s vision,
to gaze patiently into the night and see the Son of man on his way.
Transfiguration of the Lord
Saint of the Day for August 6
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| 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
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
The Transfiguration of Jesus
A new way of fulfilling the prophecies
Luke 9:28-36
A new way of fulfilling the prophecies
Luke 9:28-36
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us 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.
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:
A few days earlier, Jesus had said that he, the Son of Man, had
to be tried and crucified by the authorities (Lk 9:22; Mk 8:31). According to
the information in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, the disciples, especially
Peter, did not understand what Jesus had said and were scandalised by the news
(Mt 16:22; Mk 8:32). Jesus reacted strongly and turned to Peter calling him
Satan (Mt 16:23; Mk 8:33). This was because Jesus’ words did not correspond
with the ideal of the glorious Messiah whom they imagined. Luke does not
mention Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ strong reply, but he does describe, as do
the other Evangelists, the episode of the Transfiguration. Luke sees the
Transfiguration as an aid to the disciples so that they may be able to overcome
the scandal and change their idea of the Messiah (Lk 9:28-36). Taking with him
the three disciples, Jesus goes up the mountain to pray and, while he is
praying, is transfigured. As we read the text, it is good to note what follows:
“Who appears with Jesus on the mountain to converse with him? What is the theme
of their conversation? What is the disciples’ attitude?”
b) A division of the text as an aid to the reading:
i) Luke 9:28: The moment of crisis
ii) Luke 9:29: The change that takes place during the prayer
iii) Luke 9:30-31: The appearance of the two men and their conversation with Jesus
iv) Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’ reaction
v) Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
ii) Luke 9:29: The change that takes place during the prayer
iii) Luke 9:30-31: The appearance of the two men and their conversation with Jesus
iv) Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’ reaction
v) Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
c) The text:
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him
Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was
praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became
dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, 31
who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to
accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy
with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood
with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus,
"Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for
you and one for Moses and one for Elijah" - not knowing what he said. 34
As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as
they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying,
"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice had
spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those
days anything of what they had seen.
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) What pleased you most in this episode of the Transfiguration?
Why?
b) Who are those who go to the mountain with Jesus? Why do they go?
c) Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain next to Jesus. What is the significance of these two persons from the Old Testament for Jesus, for the disciples for the community in the 80s? And for us today?
d) Which prophecy from the Old Testament is fulfilled in the words of the Father concerning Jesus?
e) What is the attitude of the disciples during this episode?
f) Has there been a transfiguration in your life? How have such experiences of transfiguration helped you to fulfil your mission better?
g) Compare Luke’s description of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-36) with his description of the agony of Jesus in the Garden (Lk 22:39-46). Try to see whether there are any similarities. What is the significance of these similarities?
5. A key to the reading
b) Who are those who go to the mountain with Jesus? Why do they go?
c) Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain next to Jesus. What is the significance of these two persons from the Old Testament for Jesus, for the disciples for the community in the 80s? And for us today?
d) Which prophecy from the Old Testament is fulfilled in the words of the Father concerning Jesus?
e) What is the attitude of the disciples during this episode?
f) Has there been a transfiguration in your life? How have such experiences of transfiguration helped you to fulfil your mission better?
g) Compare Luke’s description of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-36) with his description of the agony of Jesus in the Garden (Lk 22:39-46). Try to see whether there are any similarities. What is the significance of these similarities?
5. A key to the reading
for those who wish to go deeper into the theme.
a) The context of Jesus’ discourse:
In the two previous chapters of Luke’s Gospel, the innovation
brought by Jesus stands out and tensions between the New and the Old grow. In
the end, Jesus realised that no one had understood his meaning and much less
his person. People thought that he was like John the Baptist, Elijah or some
old prophet (Lk 9:18-19). The disciples accepted him as the Messiah, but a
glorious Messiah, according to the propaganda issued by the government and the
official religion of the Temple (Lk 9:20-21). Jesus tried to explain to his
disciples that the journey foreseen by the prophets was one of suffering
because of its commitment to the excluded and that a disciple could only be a
disciple if he/she took up his/her cross (Lk 9:22-26). But he did not meet with
much success. It is in such a context of crisis that the Transfiguration takes
place.
In the 30s, the experience of the Transfiguration had a very important significance in the life of Jesus and of the disciples. It helped them overcome the crisis of faith and to change their ideals concerning the Messiah. In the 80s, when Luke was writing for the Christian communities in Greece, the meaning of the Transfiguration had already been deepened and broadened. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection and of the spread of the Good News among the pagans in almost every country, from Palestine to Italy, the experience of the Transfiguration began to be seen as a confirmation of the faith of the Christian communities in Jesus, Son of God. The two meanings are present in the description and interpretation of the Transfiguration in Luke’s Gospel.
In the 30s, the experience of the Transfiguration had a very important significance in the life of Jesus and of the disciples. It helped them overcome the crisis of faith and to change their ideals concerning the Messiah. In the 80s, when Luke was writing for the Christian communities in Greece, the meaning of the Transfiguration had already been deepened and broadened. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection and of the spread of the Good News among the pagans in almost every country, from Palestine to Italy, the experience of the Transfiguration began to be seen as a confirmation of the faith of the Christian communities in Jesus, Son of God. The two meanings are present in the description and interpretation of the Transfiguration in Luke’s Gospel.
b) A commentary on the text:
Luke 9:28: The moment of crisis
On several occasions Jesus entered into conflict with the people and the religious and civil authorities of his time (Lk 4:28-29; 5:21-20; 6:2-11; 7:30.39; 8:37; 9,9). He knew they would not allow him to do the things he did. Sooner or later they would catch him. Besides, in that society, the proclamation of the Kingdom, as Jesus did, was not to be tolerated. He either had to withdraw or face death! There were no other alternatives. Jesus did not withdraw. Hence the cross appears on the horizon, not just as a possibility but as a certainty (Lk 9:22). Together with the cross there appears also the temptation to go on with the idea of the Glorious Messiah and not of the Crucified, suffering servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (Mk 8:32-33). At this difficult moment Jesus goes up the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, James and John. Through his prayer, Jesus seeks strength not to lose sense of direction in his mission (cf. Mk 1:35).
On several occasions Jesus entered into conflict with the people and the religious and civil authorities of his time (Lk 4:28-29; 5:21-20; 6:2-11; 7:30.39; 8:37; 9,9). He knew they would not allow him to do the things he did. Sooner or later they would catch him. Besides, in that society, the proclamation of the Kingdom, as Jesus did, was not to be tolerated. He either had to withdraw or face death! There were no other alternatives. Jesus did not withdraw. Hence the cross appears on the horizon, not just as a possibility but as a certainty (Lk 9:22). Together with the cross there appears also the temptation to go on with the idea of the Glorious Messiah and not of the Crucified, suffering servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (Mk 8:32-33). At this difficult moment Jesus goes up the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, James and John. Through his prayer, Jesus seeks strength not to lose sense of direction in his mission (cf. Mk 1:35).
Luke 9:29: The change that takes place during the prayer
As soon as Jesus starts praying, his appearance changes and he appears glorious. His face changes and his clothes become white and shining. It is the glory that the disciples imagined for the Messiah. This transformation told them clearly that Jesus was indeed the Messiah expected by all. But what follows the episode of the Transfiguration will point out that the way to glory is quite different from what they imagined. The transfiguration will be a call to conversion.
As soon as Jesus starts praying, his appearance changes and he appears glorious. His face changes and his clothes become white and shining. It is the glory that the disciples imagined for the Messiah. This transformation told them clearly that Jesus was indeed the Messiah expected by all. But what follows the episode of the Transfiguration will point out that the way to glory is quite different from what they imagined. The transfiguration will be a call to conversion.
Luke 9:30-31: Two men appear speaking with Jesus
Together with Jesus and in the same glorious state there appear Moses and Elijah, the two major exponents of the Old Testament, representing the Law and the Prophets. They speak with Jesus about “the Exodus brought to fulfilment in Jerusalem”. Thus, in front of the disciples, the Law and the Prophets confirm that Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah, promised in the Old Testament and awaited by the whole people. They further confirm that the way to Glory is through the painful way of the exodus. Jesus’ exodus is his passion, death and resurrection. Through his “exodus” Jesus breaks the dominion of the false idea concerning the Messiah spread by the government and by the official religion and that held all ensnared in the vision of a glorious, nationalistic messiah. The experience of the Transfiguration confirmed that Jesus as Messiah Servant constituted an aid to free them from their wrong ideas concerning the Messiah and to discover the real meaning of the Kingdom of God.
Together with Jesus and in the same glorious state there appear Moses and Elijah, the two major exponents of the Old Testament, representing the Law and the Prophets. They speak with Jesus about “the Exodus brought to fulfilment in Jerusalem”. Thus, in front of the disciples, the Law and the Prophets confirm that Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah, promised in the Old Testament and awaited by the whole people. They further confirm that the way to Glory is through the painful way of the exodus. Jesus’ exodus is his passion, death and resurrection. Through his “exodus” Jesus breaks the dominion of the false idea concerning the Messiah spread by the government and by the official religion and that held all ensnared in the vision of a glorious, nationalistic messiah. The experience of the Transfiguration confirmed that Jesus as Messiah Servant constituted an aid to free them from their wrong ideas concerning the Messiah and to discover the real meaning of the Kingdom of God.
Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’ reaction
The disciples were in deep sleep. When they woke up, the saw Jesus in his glory and the two men with him. But Peter’s reaction shows that they were not aware of the real meaning of the glory in which Jesus appeared to them. As often happens with us, they were only aware of what concerned them. The rest escapes their attention. “Master, it is good for us to be here!” And they do not want to get off the mountain any more! When it is question of the cross, whether on the Mount of the Transfiguration or on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:45), they sleep! They prefer the Glory to the Cross! They do not like to speak or hear of the cross. They want to make sure of the moment of glory on the mountain, and they offer to build three tents. Peter did not know what he was saying.
While Peter was speaking, a cloud descended from on high and covered them with its shadow. Luke says that the disciples became afraid when the cloud enfolded them. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God. The cloud accompanied the multitude on their journey through the desert (Ex 40: 34-38; Nm 10:11-12). When Jesus ascended into heaven, he was covered by a cloud and they no longer saw him (Acts 1:9). This was a sign that Jesus had entered forever into God’s world.
The disciples were in deep sleep. When they woke up, the saw Jesus in his glory and the two men with him. But Peter’s reaction shows that they were not aware of the real meaning of the glory in which Jesus appeared to them. As often happens with us, they were only aware of what concerned them. The rest escapes their attention. “Master, it is good for us to be here!” And they do not want to get off the mountain any more! When it is question of the cross, whether on the Mount of the Transfiguration or on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:45), they sleep! They prefer the Glory to the Cross! They do not like to speak or hear of the cross. They want to make sure of the moment of glory on the mountain, and they offer to build three tents. Peter did not know what he was saying.
While Peter was speaking, a cloud descended from on high and covered them with its shadow. Luke says that the disciples became afraid when the cloud enfolded them. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God. The cloud accompanied the multitude on their journey through the desert (Ex 40: 34-38; Nm 10:11-12). When Jesus ascended into heaven, he was covered by a cloud and they no longer saw him (Acts 1:9). This was a sign that Jesus had entered forever into God’s world.
Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
A voice is heard from the cloud that says: “This is my Son, the Chosen, listen to him”. With this same sentence the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed the Messiah-Servant (Is 42:1). First Moses and Elijah, now God himself presents Jesus as the Messiah-Servant who will come to glory through the cross. The voice ends with a final admonition: “Listen to him!” As the heavenly voice speaks, Moses and Elijah disappear and only Jesus is left. This signifies that from now on only He will interpret the Scriptures and the will of God. He is the Word of God for the disciples: “Listen to him!”
The proclamation “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him” was very important for the community of the late 80s. Through this assertion God the Father confirmed the faith of Christians in Jesus as Son of God. In Jesus’ time, that is, in the 30s, the expression Son of Man pointed to a very high dignity and mission. Jesus himself gave a relative meaning to the term by saying that all were children of God (cf. John 10:33-35). But for some the title Son of God became a resume of all titles, over one hundred that the first Christians gave Jesus in the second half of the first century. In succeeding centuries, it was the title of Son of God that the Church concentrated all its faith in the person of Jesus.
A voice is heard from the cloud that says: “This is my Son, the Chosen, listen to him”. With this same sentence the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed the Messiah-Servant (Is 42:1). First Moses and Elijah, now God himself presents Jesus as the Messiah-Servant who will come to glory through the cross. The voice ends with a final admonition: “Listen to him!” As the heavenly voice speaks, Moses and Elijah disappear and only Jesus is left. This signifies that from now on only He will interpret the Scriptures and the will of God. He is the Word of God for the disciples: “Listen to him!”
The proclamation “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him” was very important for the community of the late 80s. Through this assertion God the Father confirmed the faith of Christians in Jesus as Son of God. In Jesus’ time, that is, in the 30s, the expression Son of Man pointed to a very high dignity and mission. Jesus himself gave a relative meaning to the term by saying that all were children of God (cf. John 10:33-35). But for some the title Son of God became a resume of all titles, over one hundred that the first Christians gave Jesus in the second half of the first century. In succeeding centuries, it was the title of Son of God that the Church concentrated all its faith in the person of Jesus.
c) A deepening:
i) The Transfiguration is told in three of the Gospels: Matthew
(Mt 17:1-9), Mark (Mk 9:2-8) and Luke (Lk 9:28-36). This is a sign that this
episode contained a very important message. As we said, it was a matter of
great help to Jesus, to his disciples and to the first communities. It
confirmed Jesus in his mission as Messiah-Servant. It helped the disciples to
overcome the crisis that the cross and suffering caused them. It led the
communities to deepen their faith in Jesus, Son of God, the One who revealed
the Father and who became the new key to the interpretation of the Law and the
Prophets. The Transfiguration continues to be of help in overcoming the crisis
that the cross and suffering provoke today. The three sleeping disciples are a
reflection of all of us. The voice of the Father is directed to us as it was to
them: “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him!”
ii) In Luke’s Gospel there is a great similarity between the
scene of the Transfiguration (Lk 9:28-36) and the scene of the agony of Jesus
in the Garden of Olives (Lk 22:39-46). We may note the following: in both
scenes Jesus goes up the mountain to pray and takes with him three disciples,
Peter, James and John. On both occasions, Jesus’ appearance is transformed and
he is transfigured before them; glorious at the Transfiguration, perspiring
blood in the Garden of Olives. Both times heavenly figures appear to comfort
him, Moses and Elijah and an angel from heaven. Both in the Transfiguration and
in the Agony, the disciples sleep, they seem to be outside the event and they
seem not to understand anything. At the end of both episodes, Jesus is reunited
with his disciples. Doubtless, Luke intended to emphasise the resemblance
between these two episodes. What would that be? It is in meditating and praying
that we shall succeed in understanding the meaning that goes beyond words, and
to perceive the intention of the author. The Holy Spirit will guide us.
iii) Luke describes the Transfiguration. There are times in our
life when suffering is such that we might think: “God has abandoned me! He is
no longer with me!” And then suddenly we realise that He has never deserted us,
but that we had our eyes bandaged and were not aware of the presence of God.
Then everything is changed and transfigured. It is the transfiguration! This
happens every day in our lives.
6. Psalm 42 (41)
“My soul thirsts for the living God!”
As a hart longs for flowing streams,
so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love;
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
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 practise 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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