We Have Seen His Glory

On this second Sunday of Lent, the Church places before us the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor.

In St. Mark’s account of Jesus’ life, the Transfiguration plays a crucial role. Peter had just recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus then revealed to them that his mission will include suffering and death. The Apostles are scandalized and argue that is should not be so. His response to them is that his way must become their way as well. The Transfiguration offered them assurance. In Elijah and Moses the whole of the ancient Covenant bears witness to Jesus. But there is something more important, however: ‘The Voice from the cloud which declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son.’ The disciples are admonished to listen to what Jesus is saying to them. Of course the disciples are very human and, for the most part, were selective in hearing what Jesus had to say! They were looking and hoping for a worldly leader – a leader who would reclaim their land and chase the Romans. What a disappointment to hear that their hopes would be destroyed! The Transfiguration gave them a complete view of Christ. While he was totally human, he was also the Son of God. Here on Mount Tabor, Peter, James and John got a vision of Christ, and the glory that would be his on Easter Sunday. They also got a glimpse of the glory that would one day be theirs. For Saint Peter this event also revealed something important about themselves and all Christians. In Baptism, we share already in the glory revealed on Mount Tabor. He calls it the ‘Morning Star’ in our hearts, that rises as we live the teaching of the Apostles and the Church. The Transfiguration reminds us that we can so emphasize the humanity of Jesus that we forget His Divinity. It also reminds us that we can be so taken up with faults, failings, weaknesses and sins that we forget that we carry the light of Christ within us. Today we are reminded of the dignity of every human being – since all are created in the image and likeness of God. We are also reminded that we carry the image of Christ in us since our baptism. At times people see that image shine forth; at other times we block the light, or we fail to let it shine!

When things are going well, it’s easy to see the goodness of God in creation and in people like Peter on the mountain. We want that experience to last – to keep the happy times going. Like Jesus and the disciples, we have to come back down from the mountain! Jesus and his disciples had to move on to Passion Sunday, Good Friday, and then Easter Sunday.

We, too, have moments in life when all is going well and it’s easy to believe. But these times pass and we must leave the mountain top and struggle with daily life. The reality of pain and suffering, of evil and sin is so overwhelming that at times it’s hard to see the love and goodness of God. It’s at times like these that we need to remember people of faith – like Abraham. In spite of appearances, he believed that God knew what he was doing. Job is an example of keeping the faith in spite of losing everything. The words of the Good Shepherd Psalm are powerful: “Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage” (Psalm 23). We have our own good experiences of the power and presence of God in our lives! Then we have the Words of Jesus that we must take up our crosses and follow him. He has assured us that we are not alone. He is with us and understands our pains and sufferings: “Behold I am with you always, until the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20). Yes, we never walk alone! The Transfiguration reminds us of the glory that will one day be ours! As we share in his sufferings, so too we shall share in his glory!