Reading

"Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.  He was transfigured before their very eyes" (Matthew 17: 1-2).

Who is this Jesus of Nazareth?  For centuries people have asked this question.  The Transfiguration is part of the answer.  To bring encouragement and to offer hope, Jesus manifested himself in a way that elicited wonder. 

In awe and amazement we are able to see more deeply and understand more profoundly.  In wonder, we do not think, organize, or solve a problem; we are simply overcome.  Like the apostles we too can respond in awe when we hear these words: "This is my Son on whom my favor rests" (Matthew 15:5).

The Transfiguration took place six days after Jesus had laid down the conditions of discipleship.  "If you wish to come after me," he said, "you must deny your very self, take up your cross, and begin to follow my footsteps" (Matthew 16:24).

The experience, then, offered the Apostles a glimpse into the life of the Son of Man in his eternal glory.  According to an ancient tradition, the mystery of the transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor.  In Scripture, mountains have always been used to show the presence of God.  Alone on a hill or mountain, in quiet and solitude, with the beauty of the earth before us, it is easier to open oneself to the presence of God.

God is slowly revealing himself to us through his Son and through his Spirit.  In the Transfiguration we experience this presence and rejoice that we are called to be part of Jesus' glory.

"When Christ is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (I John 3:2).