The Transfiguration of Jesus

The Sunday Gospel [March 20, 2011]

Matthew 17:1-9

The Transfiguration of Jesus

1Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,: “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Reflection

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” ~ God in v. 5

There is a story of a young woman in her 20s who was informed by her doctor that she had only six months to live because of her heart condition. She decided to leave her job and work with her city’s slum dwellers. “This way, I will die happy,” she mused.

She was so good at her new vocation she soon became a national celebrity giving talks in conferences and TV shows. In one of her talks she met a surgeon who successfully operated on her. She is now back with her beloved slum dwellers. It was her ministry, not her operation, which  "transfigured" her life giving it meaning, purpose and strength.

The transfiguration of our Lord achieved the same thing for Jesus and his disciples. Above all, it gave them the courage to face hardships and martyrdom.Which prompts me to ask: Do you have a "transfiguration" experience which gave you greater hope and faith in Jesus Christ? If you have, please share and post it in the comments box. Thanks!

Note: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarro-abel.blogspot.com/).