Sunday, August 6, 2023

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9)

We've probably all seen the spectacular photos from the James Webb Telescope. For more than a year the telescope has been transmitting images of stars in the corners of the universe. The brightness, the colors, and the extraordinary shapes create wonders more impressive than the best fireworks displays. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain can be said to have the same effect. The favored disciples receive a stupendous view as if it came from a faraway galaxy.

The gospel does not lack lively description. It says that Jesus' face “shone like the sun,” and his garments become “white as light.” It creates a captivating sight like the Taj Mahal in India or the “Pietà” of Michelangelo in St. Peter’s Basilica.

With Jesus on the mountaintop appear Moses and Elijah. They represent the Testament culminating in the coming of the Messiah. Moses is associated with both the Exodus from Egyptian slavery and the Law. Elijhah was the greatest and the most persecuted of the ancient prophets. Taken together on either side of Jesus, they indicate how the Messiah will suffer greatly to free the people from the rule of sin.

The scene must change the heart of anyone who looks at it. Peter, James, and John will not return as the same people they were when they arrived on the mountaintop. Not even we listening to the story can remain unaffected. The beauty of the resplendent Jesus and the glimpse of his coming passion uplift and transform us. Like the disciples at Pentecost we are touched by the Holy Spirit. The love of God has affected our hearts. We should be seeing everything in a new way. No longer can we consider others as simply means for our good or as rivals for our bettering. We regard them now as worthy of our attention, respect, and love.

Changed by this sight of Jesus, we look for directions on how to proceed. How are we to care for, respect, and love others? The same gospel gives us a clue when it tells of the cloud casting a shadow over the disciples. From the cloud they (and also we) hear the voice of God the Father saying: "This is my beloved Son...listen to him."

What does Jesus say? In this Gospel of Saint Matthew we have a compendium of his teachings in the "Sermon on the Mount." Perhaps we can summarize the three chapters of the Sermon in a few sentences. Jesus wants us to “put first things first.” He wants us to value God above all with daily prayers and attendance at Sunday Mass. Then he wants us to be faithful to our obligations to family, friends, community, and work. Many people depend on us; we should not leave them in need. Secondary things -- recreation, wealth, the arts -- have importance as well. We don't have to abandon them but let us not give them singular attention.

This Tuesday is the feast of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers that also bears his name. We can see in him the correct ordering that Jesus teaches. His first biographer wrote that Dominic dedicated the nights to the Lord in prayer and the days sharing with his neighbors. Most of us are not saints who can deprive ourselves of sleep most of the night and work without rest all day. However, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can “put first things first.”