The
Transfiguration of the Lord
(Daniel
7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36)
In commenting on the Transfiguration in the Gospel of
Luke, Pope Benedict XVI notes that it occurs when Jesus is praying. He says that it is the interpenetration of Jesus
with God the Father that produces the sensation of pure light. Jesus becomes, as John’s gospel declares,
“light from light.”
In prayer Jesus recognizes that God is calling him to
suffer. He can glimpse the cross
awaiting him in Jerusalem, the “Exodus” which Moses and Elijah mention in the
passage. The vision does not deter him
but compels him forward because he knows that it is the Father’s will. Meanwhile, the disciples are being prepared
for the shock ahead.
We should see a similar eventuality for ourselves in the
future. Whether we suffer through old
age or face death in an instant, the experience will not be easy. Like Jesus we should place our trust in God. Like him we will be giving positive example
to our associates. Like him we will come
to know God’s glory.
