Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
As with understanding most anything from a movie to a newspaper article, or more importantly scripture, the context of the story can play a tremendous role in assimilating the content. The context can include many elements, however for brevities sake the narrative is focus for today’s reflection. The narrative of the first reading is the prophet Daniel telling us about a dream or vision that has terrorized his mind. This apocalyptic imagery shows up again in the book of Revelation. Practically every word of these fantastic images has symbolic meaning that goes beyond just a cursory reading. Right before today’s reading begins are eight verses which describe four beasts, each represents a different empire that had power over Israel. It is from this context that we begin. Out of Israel’s long suffering the vision alludes to a new empire, a new kingdom and a new king. This king, the son of man is given dominion and his kingdom will have no end. The psalm response affirms Daniel’s vision that “the Lord is king, Most High over all the earth.”
Second Peter is St. Peter’s sharing a theological reflection on his experience of God “on the holy mountain.” Although, we do not know which mountain is being referred to, we do know that on a holy mountain is where we meet God face to face in scripture. Peters’ letter communicates to us the message that was given to him. “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The context of this above proclamation is found in today’s gospel from Matthew. God the Father is speaking to the Apostles from a cloud while Jesus is transfigured. Moses and Elijah are present in this mountain top scene. Moses representing the Law, and Elijah the prophets, while Jesus is the fulfillment of all they represent. This scene has been described by some scholars as almost a post-resurrection story in that it highlights Jesus in all his glory. Surely this was a great deal to digest for the apostles.
The practical implication for us is that we like Peter, James and John need to see Jesus in a new way. We need to place ourselves in a setting today where Jesus can be transfigured before our own eyes. Maybe that transformation can occur by spending precious moments in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, or forgiving a person who has recently hurt us, or by seeing the Lord in the least of our brothers and sisters, the poorest of the poor.
-Mike Montgomery