Thoughts for the Day

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. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today in our Lectionary we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. The account of the Transfiguration appears in all three Synoptic Gospels, that is in Matthew, Mark, and Luke and also in 2 Peter (2 Peter 1.16-21). It marks a turning point in the ministry of Jesus before he heads to Jerusalem and to his death on a cross. For a moment or two the appearance of Jesus was transformed, or we might say the veil is drawn aside, and we see Jesus as he really is - his face changed, and his garments appeared dazzling white - we are told.

We cannot know exactly what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration, but we know it was something stupendous. Jesus had gone there to seek the approval of God for the next step he was about to take. After all he could have used his power to ensure a totally different outcome, instead he hose to suffer and die for our sin, to save us the punishment. When Moses and Elijah appeared to him it was to affirm his decision to go to Jerusalem and to his death. Moses the great law-giver for the people of Israel, and Elijah the greatest of the prophets, were to signify he was on the right path. As the Messiah he had come to save his people - all the law and prophecy led to this point - and if there was any doubt the voice of God from within the cloud sets His seal on this, calling Jesus, "My chosen", and ordering Peter, James and John, the witnesses, to "listen to Him".

The Transfiguration prefigures the Resurrection, and gives us a glimpse, a foretaste, of the life of glory. As Christians may we learn from Jesus' offering of his life for us, to bear our own burdens, but look forward with hope to our future.

Collect for Transfiguration

Father in heaven,
whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured
before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain,
and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:
give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross
that in the world to come we may see him as he is;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.