"This is my Beloved Son"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of the transfiguration of Jesus. While this event parallels the baptism of Jesus in some ways, its significance is unique for other reasons. Before we proceed toward a deeper reflection on the transfiguration, we might was to remind ourselves that Pope John Paul II included the transfiguration of Jesus in the luminous mysteries of the rosary. The significance of the transfiguration lies not only in what happened on the mountain but also on its timing in the chain of events leading to the death of Jesus on the cross. First of all, unlike the baptism, the appearance of Jesus undergoes a dramatic transformation. This was significant both for Jesus and the disciples; for Jesus, because his passion was fast approaching. As a fully human person, Jesus would find the passion excruciating. In this context, the transfiguration further confirmed Jesus his ministry and gave confidence in the mission the Father had sent him to accomplish. As far the disciples were concerned, their faith would also be challenged at the crucifixion of Jesus. In the midst of the passion, this event would remind them of the real identity of Jesus. It would confirm them in their mission as well, especially, after the resurrection.
The event is also significant from the context of the timing. Jesus would soon head to Jerusalem. He knew that opposition awaited him there. Now was the salvation of the entire human race to be accomplished. His passion and death was not merely an individual event. The redemption of the entire human race, the past generations, the present and the future generation lay upon his shoulders. The transfiguration would give Jesus the inner strength for the coming days. For the disciples, this event would help focus their minds from petty concerns (who is the greatest, or who would sit at Jesus right hand or left), to the magnitude of the events at hand.
Both Jesus and the disciples were helped by the words, “This is my beloved Son…”
Like the disciples each of us of must go up the mountain with Jesus as often as we can. Spending time with Jesus can both lead us to a deeper understanding of him and of our own life. It is when his life and our life intersect that our faith life takes on a new meaning. What the Father confessed of Jesus is indeed true of each of us. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, at our baptism, the words “This is my beloved son/daughter,” is once again heard.
On this the feast of the transfiguration, spend some time in intense prayer. Do not say anything. Just “be” in the presence of Jesus and allow his glory to transform you. Let his vision and your vision coincide. Let his mission and your mission become one. Let his life and your life become a single life.