Readings: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,9, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9
“Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John with him and led them up a high mountain alone. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.” (Matthew 17:1-3)
In Matthew 13:44-50, Jesus gave us three parables about wisdom. While some accidentally stumble upon wisdom, some deliberately search for it, and those who know its value are willing to let go (be detached) of everything they own to acquire wisdom. As always, our liturgy today is packed with lessons for our meditation:
1. Prayer is a Portal (Door) into the Supernatural
There is a song we often sing: “Prayer is the key. Prayer is the master key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. Prayer is the master key.” Like Moses, who climbed Mount Sinai and encountered God in a thick cloud, Matthew says that Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain. The mountain was always a place of encounter, a place removed from the general population – a place of prayer. In Luke’s Gospel, we read: “Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Luke 9:28-29)
2. Heaven is not a Figment of Imagination
If you have never experienced something, you would never know such exists. Even when others tell you about it, you may doubt it. However, no one can make you deny or doubt your experience. During the transfiguration experience, Peter, James and John discovered that those who die in communion with God continue to live. They saw and immediately recognised Moses and Elijah even though they never met them while they lived on Earth.
Hence, in today’s second reading, Peter confessed: “It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge and power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Heaven is not some clever myth created by religion to force people into morally upright lives. Neither is the concept of hell a myth to scare people. You are free to doubt their existence, but if you fail to carry some extra oil along with your lamp, you will be the one to blame when you are stopped at the gate of the Wedding Feast.
3. Encourage One Another
The fact that Moses and Elijah were there to strengthen Jesus’ faith teaches us that we all need encouragement. As humans, there are moments we become scared, worried or troubled. Sometimes, we feel like dropping the cross or taking the easier route. There are moments when we need a pat on the back, soothing words, and experiences to remind us that we are still on the right track.
Learn to be Moses and Elijah to those around you who may be discouraged. Learn to use kind words when you talk. The book of Proverbs tells us: “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24). Many people are going through a lot today, but outwardly, they look healthy and happy. Occasionally, call that brother or sister who is doing well to say: “Well done, keep it up.” Do not wait until you hear something bad about someone before you remember them.
4. We Don’t Need Three Tents: We Only Need to Listen to Jesus
Like the man who was so excited about discovering the treasure in the field and rushed to do something (to make the field his permanent possession), Peter wanted to do something that would establish the permanence of the Transfiguration. Peter wanted to build three tents. He must have felt disappointed when they were suddenly left alone with Jesus and had to walk back down the mountain as if nothing had happened.
We all experience transfiguration now and then, moments of excitement, discovery, or joy. Sometimes, we may experience ecstasy while in prayer; we may even see a vision or receive an apparition of Jesus or the Saints. These things come and go. They are highlights of our journey, not destinations in themselves. We can never make them permanent. Do not be a miracle-seeking Christian. God is with us even in the most ordinary events of life.
Peter was still speaking when God interrupted him. “Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud, a voice said: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him, I am well pleased; listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5). We don’t need three tents; we only need to keep quiet and listen to Jesus.
Let us pray: O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Transfiguration of the Lord – Feast. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,9, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu