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.”
