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.... (and) 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.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The account of the Transfiguration, probably on Mount Tabor, is one of the most mysterious events in the Bible, but it tells of things past, present, and future. We are reminded of the time that Moses went up another mountain, Mount Sinai, to talk to God and was given the Ten Commandments, but it also fulfils Moses' words about the one who was to come, that is a prophet who would be greater than himself (Deuteronomy 18.15)

We also see Jesus in his glory as he was, before his incarnation as a man, and we see him together with Moses who represents the Law, and with Elijah who represents the Prophets. This symbolises the new agreement made for us his people with God, a covenant that has been fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus.

Then even more astoundingly, the voice of God is heard, declaring Jesus to be His Son, and demanding that the disciples listen to Him. We may not hear the voice of God directly in this way, but we too should listen to His words as given to us in the scriptures.

Heavenly Father,
whose Son was transfigured -
and seen in all His glory by His disciples,
and who initiated a new covenant
with us His people,
may we meditate on this event today,
and on the declaration that He is Your Son,
and therefore the second person of the Trinity.
In a world that has become chaotic
through disease and war may we also
take seriously our task as Christians
to make a difference and heal its woes.
Amen.