The Transfiguration Encounter

Homily For Transfiguration Sunday. Aug 6, 2023

Readings

Pope St. Leo the Great makes this apt conclusion: “The principal aim of the Transfiguration was to banish from the disciples’ souls the scandal of the Cross.” (Sermon, 51,3)

My Dearest Friends In Christ,

Welcome to the Sunday Of The Transfiguration of The Lord and The 18th Sunday in the Ordinary Time. As Jesus transfigures in the Eucharist today, may we like the three disciples, be drawn into a deeper faith in Him through this mystical change.

The Glory and Majesty Of The Son of Man Revealed In The OT

In today’s first reading from the Book of the prophet Daniel, we were presented with a heavenly vision that Daniel received. This vision depicted two figures, one referred to as the One of Great Age, and the other known as the Son of Man. Through this divine revelation, Daniel provided us with a clear understanding of the true nature of the Messiah or Savior who had long been anticipated by the people of God.

The reason behind this profound significance is that Daniel’s heavenly vision not only revealed God in all His majestic glory and power but also showcased the Son of God, who would be sent into the world to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for His beloved ones. This divine figure is none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who serves as Our Lord and Savior, bringing forth God’s redemptive plan to fruition.

Peter Recounts His Transfiguration Experience

St. Peter In the second reading recounted the Transfiguration event, where he and other apostles saw Jesus transformed, revealing His divine nature and power. This confirmed that Jesus was not just a man or a prophet but God incarnates, surpassing even the great figures of Moses and Elijah.

The Meaning Behind Christ’s Transfiguration Before His Disciples

Transfiguration account in today’s Gospel, Jesus is revealed as a glorious figure, superior to Moses and Elijah. The primary purpose of Jesus’ Transfiguration was to allow Him to consult His Heavenly Father to ascertain His Father’s plan for His Son’s suffering, death, and Resurrection. The secondary aim was to make his chosen disciples aware of His Divine Glory; so that they might discard their worldly ambitions and dreams of a conquering political Messiah and might be strengthened in their time of trial. On the mountain, Jesus is identified by the Heavenly Voice as the Son of God. Thus, the Transfiguration experience is a Christophany, that is, a manifestation or revelation of Who Jesus is. In the Transfiguration, the Gospel gives us a glimpse of the Heavenly Glory awaiting those who do God’s Will by putting their trusting Faith in Him.

Prior to this mountain top encounter in Mathew 16, which sets the stage for the transfiguration, Jesus asks His disciples who He is and reveals to them His mission of suffering and dying. Jesus taught His disciples that discipleship is all about embracing the cross and not rejecting it as Peter thought. The 16th chapter of Mathew, thus, establishes Jesus’ identity, and mission. In the 17th chapter, which we heard today, Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus to the mountain of transfiguration, in the same way, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu accompanied Moses to the mountain of Sinai (Exodus 24:1-9). The three disciples, Peter, James, and John, will not appear again as the inner circle until Gethsemane (cf. Mathew 26:37). There they will accompany Jesus as He struggles through the night that culminates with His arrest (Matthew 26:36ff). The Transfiguration and Gethsemane are the two most intimate experiences that Jesus shares with His disciples, and the same three disciples witnessed both. So, Jesus is strengthening the faith of these three to plunge them into a deeper understanding of His mission and theirs too. They will be the ones to strengthen the rest when He is no longer physically present amongst them.

Understanding Our Own Identity as Christians

Undoubtedly, not everyone, nor even every follower of Christ understands what discipleship entails. Many Christians love Jesus but don’t want to be associated with His cross (sufferings ). Paul in his second letter to Timothy reminds him that we all have a share in the sufferings of Christ: “Beloved, bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” The disciples never imagined suffering and death as part of their mission or that of Christ. We too might also be thinking the same way. The cross we bear transforms our sinful nature and this transformation comes from the inner workings of the grace of God.

Be Strong In The Face of Adversity

In moments of doubt, pain, suffering, disappointment, and despair, we need mountain-top experiences to reach out to God and listen to His consoling words: “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased., listen to Him” As we journey with Christ through this ordinary time, may this divine revelation of Jesus’ heavenly identity strengthen our faith not to give up in the face of the adversities of life. May we continue to obey the injunction of the heavenly father by listening to His son as he speaks to us daily in the sacraments, in his divine word, and through our daily experiences in life. May these words be your consolation: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)