GOSPEL READING:
Luke 9:28-3628 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.
Meditation: 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 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 became radiant like
the sun and his clothing became dazzling white (Matthew 17: 2 and
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.
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
On the eve of his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, the Lord
Jesus prayed for all of his disciples, "Father, I desire that they
also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold
my glory which you have given me in your love for me, before the
foundation of the world" (John 17:24). The Lord Jesus not only
wants us to see his glory and the glory of the Father in heaven -
he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way
to the Father's glory: obey my words - take up your cross and
follow me - 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.
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.
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.
Psalm 97:1-6, 9
1 The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coast lands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries round about.
4 His lightnings lighten the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The transfiguration of Jesus, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 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)
