Homilies

2nd SUNDAY OF LENT: THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS is one of the biblical foundations for our belief in the Triune God. When Jesus was at the mountain, the Holy Spirit appeared through a cloud which overshadowed the three disciples. Afterward, the Father appeared through a voice saying, “This is my chosen Son, listen to him.”

There are four important things or moments to be noted in this passage:

First, the passage begins with Jesus’ taking of Peter, James and John to the mountain in order to pray. The human Jesus valued prayer most and whenever he took an important step in his ministry and life, he would always spend time communing with God the Father. His going to the mountain is kind of seeking guidance of God through quiet prayer. This is a lesson for us believers. Every important decision in life must always be thought over and prayed over. Well-reflected decisions are considered as in accord with God’s will, and whatever happens, people are happy about it.

Second, while Jesus was praying the transfiguration took place. His face changed and his clothes became dazzlingly white. The reason of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain was for the disciples to be aware of the divine presence in Him, their Master. There was a new revelation to them of who their Master really was. Also, the transfiguration is a foretaste of the coming glory that Jesus will have, after he undergoes passion and death on the cross. On the part of the disciples, the experience of a foretaste of future glory had prepared them for the humiliation of the passion.

Third, when Jesus’ face transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked to Jesus. The content of their conversation was the passage of Jesus from this world to the Father. Both Moses and Elijah somehow resemble Jesus, because they made their passage from this life to the next under mysterious circumstances. Moses is said to have died and was buried by God and thus, nobody knows where his tomb is (Dt 34:1-8). Elijah, on the other, did not die. God took him up in a chariot of fire in the presence of Elisha (2 Kgs 2:1-18). Thus, God has a hand in giving these two men the glory in the next life. In the same way, the Father would have a hand in the coming resurrection and glory of Jesus the Christ.

Fourth, let us reflect on the suggestion of Peter. He told Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Certainly, Peter was carried away by the experience of the moment. If glory or something beautiful was experienced in the mountain, there is no need for them to go down to the lowland because there they only encounter problems and difficulties, including the coming passion and death. But according to the passage, Peter did not understand what he was saying.

Like Peter, I think our tendency is to build “tents” and to remain in our built tents. Tents suggest comfort, and convenience. They are our comfort, these are our comfort zones. We love comfort, and we want everything to be always comfortable. Consequently, when we are faced with “uncomfortable situations” our kneejerk reaction to them is simply to withdraw, instead of facing them. Like, when people have problems of relationships in the family or in the workplace, the only solution to the problem that they know is to withdraw. To withdraw is more comfortable that to face the problems and difficulties.

But life has taught us that in our struggle to attain a better life and success, we have to get rid of our comforts. All successful athletes undergo sacrifices and pains, and they value these. “No pain, no gain,” is their cry. This is one lesson of the Transfiguration. Jesus knew that the transfiguration is only a “foretaste” of the glory to come. That is precisely the reason that he never entertained the suggestion of Peter because that was not the will of God. No matter how painful it was, Jesus faced the pain and humiliation on the Cross. In facing it, the Father crowned him the glory he deserved.

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