Today’s gospel begins, “Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.” Why did He take them with him? He knew what was going to happen and He wanted them to see it.
What happened? “He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.“
There is much symbolism in this event. We call it the Transfiguration. The symbolism begins even before the Transfiguration itself. The fact that Jesus took them “up a high mountain” is symbolic of coming closer to God. God is in the heavens. Going up the mountain brings us closer to him. Little did Peter, James, and John know at that time that Jesus is consubstantial with the Father so God was right there with them.
The image of the Transfiguration, Jesus’ face shining and his clothes becoming “white as light” reveals Jesus in his glory to us. We see Jesus as we will see him in Heaven. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him so that they may see him in his glory.
Seeing Jesus in his glory would be an incredible appearance by itself. Add to this Daniel’s vision shared with us in today’s first reading. Daniel is given a vision of the Ancient One taking his throne. “His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool.” The Ancient One, of course, is God. This description of God matches how Jesus appeared at the Transfiguration – white. Jesus is one with the Father.
We further read, “his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire.” When I read “flames of fire,” I think of the Holy Spirit coming down at Pentecost. When I read “burning fire,” I think of God appearing to Moses in the burning bush. These are further assurances of who Jesus really is. He is the “Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven.” He receives “an everlasting dominion.” “His kingship shall not be destroyed.” Jesus will be crucified but He is not destroyed. He is king forever.
Returning to the scene of the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus. Why? Moses’ presence indicates that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. Elijah’s presence indicates that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Messiah.
Seeing all this, Peter says, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here.” Indeed it is good that they saw this and shared it with the others after Jesus had risen from the dead so that we may all know who Jesus really is. This is not just for Peter, James, and John. It is our story.
The mention of tents might seem insignificant. Peter wants this to last but there is more symbolism here. It points to the time the Israelites spent in the desert in the Exodus. It points to the Feast of Tabernacles (aka Feast of the Booths. see Leviticus 23:39-42). The Transfiguration is not an isolated event in time. It is part of the story of Salvation History. It is our story.
Then comes the voice from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.” God our Father wants us to know who Jesus is.
Peter, James, and John fell prostrate in fear. Jesus tells them, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus took them with him not to scare them but to assure them of who He is. He knew what they would go through when He would be arrested, beaten, mocked, scourged, and crucified. The Transfiguration is meant to assure them, to assure us, of who He is.
Peter will never forget this. In fact, in our second reading today, Peter refers to his experience of Jesus’ Transfiguration. He writes that he is not speaking of “cleverly devised myths.” When he speaks of “the power and coming our Lord Jesus Christ” Peter is speaking as an eyewitness of Jesus’ majesty. He speaks of the voice he heard himself, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Peter writes of his experience of the Transfiguration to help others believe. He never forgot and neither should we. I pray that the recounting of the Transfiguration of Jesus is for you an encounter with God.
Never forget this experience and do not keep it a secret. Jesus had risen from the dead. We must share our experience of Jesus with others.
Peace,
Fr. Jeff