The Transfiguration

Every year, on the last Sunday before Lent begins (called “the Last Sunday after the Epiphany”) we read the account of the Transfiguration, when Jesus appears “dazzling white” on the mount with Moses and Elijah.  Click here to read Luke’s account, which we will read on Sunday.

Most westerners don’t know what to do with this, so we don’t think about it a lot.  I even find that quite a few clergy skip preaching on it because they just arent quite sure what to say about it that actually impacts people’s lives on Monday morning.

For our brothers and sisters of the eastern branches of the church (mostly, the Orthodox denominations) the Transfiguration is one of their holiest days.  By and large, they love mystery.  The fact that it is not clear to human perceptions actually heightens rather than diminishes their reverence and awe.

I think the Transfiguration gives us a quick glimpse behind the curtain of Jesus’ life with the Father and the promise of what is to come for us.  If we are to live this life in the light of eternity (which we are clearly called to do), then the Transfiguration has some important lessons to teach us, and can help re-orient us toward our eternal destiny as we walk this path today.

If you had shared this mountain top experience with Peter, James and John, how might your view of Jesus be different?  How might you live differently?

This column appeared in the February 27, 2022 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.