This Sunday, the Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The Transfiguration is a strange, almost dream-like, experience for the Apostles. Undoubtedly, they did not know what to make of what they saw and would not be able to make sense of it till after the Resurrection.
Jesus had begun talking about His Passion for the first time. It was deeply disturbing for His followers, for He is talking about suffering and dying. Their belief in Jesus as the Messiah included a belief that He could not die. His talk of Resurrection was even more confusing. What on earth could that mean? Their faith in Jesus was being shaken. Could they have backed the wrong person?
It was in that context that Jesus took Peter and James and John up onto Mount Tabor. There He was transfigured, with an inner light shining out from Him that was blindingly bright. Most surprisingly though, was the appearance of Moses and Elijah, speaking with Jesus. Moses was the great lawgiver, and Elijah was one of the greatest of the prophets. The Jews referred to what we call the Old Testament as the Law and the Prophets. Their appearance was to assure the disciples that Jesus is in fact the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, even if they did not understand as of yet. Finally, there was the cloud that came down upon them, and from it came the voice of the Father, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him.”
Events happen in our own life that may make us question our faith in Christ. As the Transfiguration strengthened the faith of the Apostles, so it can strengthen our faith as well.
–Fr. Mike Comer
