The Transfiguration of the Lord was a very important prelude to his suffering, death and resurrection! It took place about a week before Palm Sunday. It had to do with evaluation, summation and preparation!
Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the high mountain – because great experiences with God usually take place when the person, and/or the soul is lifted higher to be closer to God. And Jesus was transformed into a brilliant white image. His face shown like the sun, and his clothing glowed with an amazing bright whiteness. He revealed himself here as the one who truly reflected the glory of God, and who was TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!
Peter, James and John, therefore saw Jesus in a whole different light – a heavenly light! His glory was no longer veiled. And he saw with him two figures from the history of their people: Moses and Elijah – conversing with him. Jesus was discussing with them what would happen in a short time when he voluntarily went to his death on the Cross. He was thanking them for being faithful and true instruments in the preparation of his arrival on earth, and for getting his family – the people of Israel – and indeed the whole world – ready for what would happen on that amazing weekend.
He told them that everything that had happened in their time, with the Law and the Prophets would not be abolished, but brought into a new state of completion and fulfillment. The new would replace the old, but would forever be dependent on the old as a building is dependent upon its foundation!
And so Jesus as the New Moses (the new Law-giver), and Jesus, the Suffering Servant (as prophesied by Isaiah), would bring light to the world by lovingly embracing the self-sacrificial events of what we now know as Holy Week! Peter, James and John, because of their presence at the Transfiguration would now be prepared somewhat for the scandal of the Cross. They would better understand that the true Messiah was not to be a political hero, but rather a Savior who would bring ultimate victory by laying down his life for his flock, his people, his brothers and sisters!
God, his Father, and ours shows how very pleased he is with Jesus – his beloved Son, who so generously and willingly is about to give himself completely – and he appears on the scene in the form of a cloud as he did on Mt. Sinai, and in the desert wanderings of the freed people of Israel – and his voice was heard to say: THIS IS MY BELOVED SON ON WHOM MY FAVOR RESTS: LISTEN TO HIM!
This is the last time that God the Father speaks in the gospels, and it is so very appropriate for him to say what he did: LISTEN TO HIM! LISTEN TO JESUS! HE IS MY WORD! HIS GOSPEL IS MY WORD! THOSE WHO PROCLAIM AND PREACH THAT GOSPEL ARE SPEAKING MY WORD: LISTEN TO THEM! … and then act on what you hear!
…then you will find comfort, you will find encouragement, you will find light for the paths of your lives: and one day you will be rewarded for reflecting my glory (by lives led in union with Christ Jesus), by coming home to me and taking the place I have gotten ready for you!
Come, blest of my Father, yours is the kingdom prepared for you!
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