Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10)
There are many versions of the story of a non-Christian seeing
a figure of Christ crucified for the first time. In one such story an Asian exits a church in
Florence. He asks a person on the
street, “Who is that guy hanging above the altar?” Certainly strangers will have
questions for any group whose founder was executed. It is said that the Transfiguration was
included in the three synoptic gospels as a response to this kind of
questioning.
A week ago before the Transfiguration Jesus told his
disciples that he is going to be handed over to the authorities and killed. Later he said that they should be prepared
for the same treatment. Now he wants to
assure them that such mistreatment will lead to glory not to abuse. In front of Peter, James, and John, he is
transformed to shine like the sun. Then
the disciples hear a voice declaring that Jesus as God’s Son worth of their
attention.
Often Jesus’ cross is called a “scandal.” It certainly requires explanation. Jesus’ execution on a cross indicates how
people, including government, can marginalize and even kill those with whom
they disagree. For us Christians Jesus’
crucifixion shows the extent of God’s love.
He allowed His Son to die in the vilest of ways so that our sins may be
forgiven.
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