Sunday, March 1, 2026

 

Second Sunday of Lent
(Genesis 12:1–4; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; Matthew 17:1–9)

We have reached the Second Sunday of Lent. Each year on this day we hear in the Gospel the account of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. There are three versions of this event: one in Matthew, one in Mark, and one in Luke, but they do not differ greatly from one another. Today we hear the version according to Saint Matthew. It is distinctive in that it does not say that Peter “did not know what he was saying” when he suggests building three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

Perhaps we ask ourselves: “Why do the evangelists include this rather unusual story in their writings?” Usually, three reasons are given. First, the story confirms Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Second, it will help the disciples endure the anguish of seeing Jesus crucified. Finally, it gives believers a glimpse of their destiny. Like Christ, they too will shine in glory. Today we will focus on this third reason: the parallel transformation of the Christian like the glorified Christ.

Let us begin with the first reading. It shows Abram being instructed by the Lord to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house to go to a foreign land. Only through these costly sacrifices can he come to shine as the father of many nations. It is true that the grace of the Holy Spirit, which makes Christians shine in glory, is a gift. Nevertheless, it requires sacrifices to receive and preserve it, as in the case of Abram. Many prepare, sometimes for years, in classes for sacraments that communicate transforming grace. The sacrifices multiply as they live in the world where temptations abound. They must reject the seduction of pleasure, power, and prestige if they are to shine in glory.

In the second reading, Paul asks his disciple Timothy to join him in suffering for the Gospel. He wants his help in the demanding work of bringing the Gospel to the world. The first Christians received grace freely, but proclaiming it cost the apostles dearly. If the followers of the Gospel will shine like the face of Jesus on the mountain, those who proclaim it will shine even more. It is no accident that saints are depicted with halos in art. Our faces too will bear the radiance of the saints if we talk with others about the Good News.

The Gospel account of the Transfiguration leaves us with a profound lesson about the spiritual life. Toward the end of the story, the three disciples experience a theophany: God the Father speaks to them from a cloud. His message is almost the same as at Jesus’ Baptism, but this time He adds the exhortation that they listen to Jesus. As is to be expected in a theophany, the disciples fall to the ground in fear. Then Jesus’ touch calms them.

The spiritual life requires that we feel awe in the presence of God. He is tremendous and awesome, more powerful than a volcano or a star being born. Yet, through the assurance given to us by Jesus, we know that God is our Father. Once we realize this truth and submit our will to His, our fear is transformed into the desire never to lose His love.

We have completed a fourth of this Lenten season. By now we should have established a pattern of fasting, prayer, and charity, so that we no longer feel apprehension about these practices. Let us move forward with the hope of becoming stronger through our sacrifices, more devoted to proclaiming the Gospel to others, and more deeply in love with God, our Father.

Sunday, March 16, 2025

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

(Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36)

As on every Second Sunday of Lent, the gospel today focuses on Jesus being mysteriously transfigured. The story astounds the reader. The narrative from the beginning recounts Jesus’ formation as a prophet with some strange experiences, but nothing unimaginable. Then, we come to this passage. Jesus is on the mountain with three disciples. They get a glimpse of him in glory. What does it all mean?

Rather than try to explain the story’s development and apply its meaning to our lives, we are going to employ another strategy today. We will examine three components of the story that seem particularly revealing. Then we will ask ourselves what they indicate for our Lenten journey.

First, Jesus is transformed while he is praying. In his dialogue with the Father, he is seen as united with Him in such a way that he assumes the Father’s glory. As the Creed says, Jesus is “light from light, true God from true God.” The event shows the purpose of prayer as uniting us with God the Father. It is a moment of truth because God knows our heart. We cannot deceive Him with pretenses. This is a grace.  We don’t have to put on a mask when asking the Father for what is necessary to live happily.

Only this narrative according to Saint Luke reveals the theme of the conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah. They speak of the “exodus” that Jesus is going to suffer in Jerusalem. The Greek says literally “exodus” although some translations have “departure” or “death.” The evangelist’s purpose is to say that the violent death that awaits Jesus in the holy city will bring about liberation like the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt liberated them from slavery.  As horrible as the crucifixion will be for Jesus, it will also be transformative. By his death on the cross Jesus will redeem the world from its sins. As the sinless Son of God, he alone can offer a sacrifice that will justify all humans. The first reading says that by faith the Lord credited Abram with righteousness. St. Paul developed this concept by declaring that through faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected, we have been justified.

Finally, it is worth reflecting on the cloud that envelops the disciples and the voice that emanates from it. As something that obscures one’s sight, the cloud invokes fear. But as something refreshing and peculiar, the cloud attracts attention. Thus, the cloud becomes a symbol of the Divine, at once fearful and fascinating. People today take out their phones to take photos of anything unusual. Similarly, Peter wants to make three huts to freeze in time the appearance of Jesus in glory. But the voice of the cloud urges him and his companions to seize the moment, not try to replicate it. They (and we too) should listen to Jesus. He is not only God’s “Son” but also his “chosen” one.  The term comes from Second Isaiah where it is used to describe the Suffering Servant. This mysterious figure bore the sins of many. Because he has no referents in the Isaiah narrative Mark, Matthew, and Luke assumed that he uniquely anticipates Jesus Christ.

The Transfiguration of the Lord should not move us to quick action. Rather, its strangeness indicates that we are to pause and contemplate. We might ask ourselves: What is our destiny as followers of Jesus if his was the cross and resurrection from the dead? Could it be anything other than to suffer and receive glory like him? In the second reading St. Paul promises the Philippians that Jesus will transform their bodies into glorious bodies like his. It is our purpose for Lent to be transfigured like Christ by our acts of sacrifice.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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. 

Sunday, February 25, 2024

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, February 25, 2024

(Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10)

As we always hear the gospel of Jesus' temptation on the first Sunday of Lent, we can count on hearing of his transfiguration on the second. We also heard the same gospel on August 6th. It seems that the event is so important to consider that it is worth repeating. We are going to reflect on the transfiguration or change in appearance in two ways: what happens to Jesus and what happens to its witnesses who include ourselves.

Sometimes preachers try to differentiate between a transformation and a transfiguration. They say, for example, that transfiguration is always from a lower state to a higher state while transformation can be an improvement or a deterioration. But this distinction is difficult to see. The Greek of the gospel today says “metemorphOthE” which is translated as “was transformed.” Evidently the custom developed over the centuries of calling the change in Jesus’ appearance “the Transfiguration” as we have it now in our missals.

Jesus' appearance changes quickly and significantly. His full identity is revealed when his clothes take on a terrific sheen. As Superman is seen for who he is when journalist Clark Kent takes off his suit, God's Messiah is identified when Jesus' clothes shine. This transformation verifies what Peter stated earlier: Jesus is the Messiah or, in Greek, the Christ. It also indicates the truth that Jesus himself tried to instill in his disciples with little success. That is, although he is the Messiah, he has to die to gain the salvation of Israel.

In addition to his transfiguration, there are two other testimonies in favor of Jesus in this gospel. The presence of Moses and Elijah on both sides of Jesus testifies to Jesus’ preeminence in salvation history. His words carry to perfection the Law that Moses presented to the people. Likewise, his suffering will culminate the sacrifices of the prophets, among whom Elijah is the most prominent, in carrying out the will of God.

In the desert God communicated with Israel from a cloud. Now on the mountain he also speaks from a cloud. “This is my beloved Son…”, God says.  Jesus is God’s “beloved” because he perfectly fulfills His will. God then concludes his message: “…listen to him.” Because he does the Father's will implicitly, he is worth the disciples' listening.

Jesus is not the only one to experience a change in this gospel. His disciples are also affected. Their faith has grown since climbing the mountain. Amazed by the vision of Jesus transfigured, they can now expect something extraordinary to happen to him. Their faith should not be completely shaken when Jesus is crucified.

We have been aware of the passion and resurrection since our first catechism lessons. However, it is possible that living among doubters and non-believers who now abound we begin to waver on these principles of faith. But by hearing this gospel we believe in Jesus crucified and risen with as much conviction as Abraham had in today’s first reading. Abraham believed that God would not deny His promise to make him the patriarch of a numerous nation.  Even though God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, he did not doubt God’s truthfulness. Now it is up to us to live with so much faith. No matter what the wise men of this world say, we will follow Jesus, our risen Lord.

We began this Lenten journey with ashes on our foreheads. The priest told us that we were dust and to dust we will return. Now after hearing the gospel of the transfiguration we can add something to this alarming pronouncement. From dust as fine as the ashes of the crematorium we will rise to eternal life.

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.”

Friday, August 6, 2021

 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10)

Protestant theologian Rudolf Otto helped us understand today’s Feast of the Transfiguration.  In a book written over a hundred years ago, the German scholar wrote that the holy impresses two powerful feelings on its beholder.  First, it inspires awe in the observer by its beauty or wonder.  Then it imparts a sense of fear that what is so wonderful will also be overwhelming.  This is Moses’ experience at the burning bush and also the apostles’ at Christ’s transfiguration.

On the mountaintop Jesus reveals the divinity of his dual nature that was suppressed in the incarnation.  He is confirming Peter’s insight made shortly before this manifestation that he is the Messiah or Christ.  That is, he is God’s emissary sent to fully reveal the divine will.  The radiance of his garments suggests that he is a heavenly being capable of overwhelming any human subject.  His conversations with Moses and Elijah likewise indicate that his message transcends all earthly wisdom.

Although the transfiguration first and foremost applies to Jesus, it also has a common significance.  We through the grace of the sacraments are being transfigured into holy people.  We no longer see others as mostly useful for our needs but as brothers and sisters to be cared for.  Indeed, our interaction with the world with attentive love becomes a way to manifest God’s glory.

Sunday, February 28, 2021

 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

(Genesis 22: 1-2.9-13.15-18; Romans 8: 31-34; Mark 9: 2-10)

The woman was commenting on the Lord's Prayer. She said that she was willing to accept all that is God's will. But she - she added - "may God not have something bad happen to my children." Abraham certainly has the same attitude in the first reading. The last thing he wants is for something bad to happen to his son Isaac.

The Jews call this passage in Genesis "the binding of Isaac." They say that the story is the most powerful in the book. God really asks Abraham to kill his own son! The text adds that the petition is a test. But it does not specify the purpose of such a morbid test. It seems exaggerated, inconceivable of God. Anyway, Abraham passes the test. He shows that he is willing to sacrifice even his own son his if God asks.

We Christians have another way to understand this story. It is not so much a test of Abraham but a parable expressing the love of God. As much as he asks Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, God has offered his own son to the world. However, where God is good and does not allow Abraham to kill his son, the world is cruel. It will kill Jesus for interfering with the established order of religion. The gospel gives us a glimpse of God's offering to the world.

Jesus has gone up the mountain with three disciples. There he is transfigured so that all three see his divinity. One commenter says it is not so much a transfiguration as a show of transparency. The three companions see the depths of Jesus for the first time and perceive his divinity. The clothes of Jesus turning "splendidly white" testify to this fact.  They become like the dress of the Ancient of Days sitting on his throne in the book of the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:9).

The disciples will need this vision of glory during the ordeal to come. They will see Jesus captured, tried, and executed as an insurgent. Now they have been assured for the future that he is not a false hero but the true Son of God. We need this vision for another reason.

We live in increasingly anti-Christian times. Many if they are not afraid at least they do not want to publicly acknowledge their faith in God. We will not be pursued for going to Mass on Sunday. But living our faith the other six days of the week may cause us problems. Recently Twitter “froze” the account of a Catholic news service. The "offense" evidently was that the new service reported for its readers the news that President Biden appointed a biological man who identifies himself as a transgender woman to a high office in the Department of Health. Twitter said that posting the matter constituted "hateful conduct." Probably because of the clamor it created, the freeze didn't last long. Still we wonder why Twitter judges the publication of the report as "hateful." Isn't it alarming news when a high official thinks he can change his gender? Certainly this official, like everyone else, deserves respect as a human person. But we should be concerned when a person who challenges the nature of his own body occupies a position where he can influence many others to do the same.

In the passage God has a message for both us and the disciples. He says that Jesus “is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Jesus commands us to proclaim from the rooftops what he tells us in private. First and foremost, his message is always God's love for everyone. As Saint Paul says in the second reading, God "is" ready to give us everything, together with his Son. Second, Jesus instructs us how to respond to this love by not satisfying our cravings but by giving ourselves to others in love.

From the beginning the challenge for Christians has been how to be in the world without being of the world. We can express this challenge in another way: how can we love the world without being corrupted by the world? As the smartest kids in religion classes know, the answer is usually "Jesus." We have to reflect on the ways of Jesus so that we might put them into practice daily.

 

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

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

Many are struggling today.  Unemployment around the world continues to grow.  People are both restless from five months of restrictions and apprehensive about going out.  A portion of the population feels oppressed while another portion is outraged by the incivility of protests.  To whom may they turn for help?

Unsurprisingly, today’s gospel points to Jesus for rescue.  The light radiating from his face and clothes show him to be like God.  He is not only conversant with the great prophets of antiquity but also receives endorsement from on high.  The message from the luminous cloud is unequivocal.  The disciples are to “listen to him.”

It is thought that the purpose of the Transfiguration is to shore up the faith of Jesus’ disciples as he takes them to Jerusalem.  There, of course, he will be crucified.  Our faith today also needs support.  It will come from focusing on what Jesus says about praying for the coming of the Father’s kingdom and from treating others as we would be treated.  As surely as Jesus’ cross led to his resurrection, our struggles will culminate in unmitigated joy.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

The Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36)

Pope Benedict XVI notes that in Luke’s Gospel the transfiguration occurs while when Jesus is praying.  He calls the interpenetration of Father and Son 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.  This is the “Exodus” which Moses and Elijah mention in the passage.  The vision does not deter him but compels Jesus forward.  He knows that it is the Father’s will, which he will always do come what may.  Meanwhile, the glory of the light prepares the disciples for the shock of the crucifixion.

We should not deny a similar eventuality for ourselves.  Whether we suffer through old age or face death in an instant, the experience will not be easy.  Like Jesus we should be determined to do God’s will.  We will be giving positive example to our associates.  More importantly, we too will come to know God’s glory.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10)

When Pope St. John Paul II visited the United States in 1987, I and perhaps others had a moment of truth.  At the time the world was being traumatized by the AIDS epidemic.  Many feared that not just any contact but simply being the presence of an AIDS patient risked contamination.  John Paul, however, showed the world that AIDS patients deserve care not isolation.  In San Francisco he hugged the AIDS patients that were invited to meet him.  With all his strictness he proved to be a person of compassion more likely expressing the will of God than any of his critics.  In today’s gospel a similar revelation takes place.

Jesus’ disciples have an inkling of his divinely appointed leadership.  Peter had recently declared that Jesus was the Messiah.  But then Jesus, quite astoundingly, said that he would have to suffer and die at the hands of men.  A question no doubt arose in their minds, “Can Peter have been right in seeing him as the long-awaited king of Israel?” Jesus then takes his most prominent disciples to the mountain where his glory is revealed.  Peter named him correctly.

As we know too well, we live in an age of disbelief.  People no longer believe that God, His angels and saints are here to help us.  We too can find reassurance in the episode of the Transfiguration.  Yes, Jesus is the Messiah.  He died to free us from the burden of our sins.  He is leading us to the glory of the saints.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

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

Some people may feel confused about Christopher Columbus.  As little children, they were taught that he was a hero bravely sailing into the unknown for the purpose of discovery.  But as the 500^th anniversary of his historic voyage approached, they were told that their history lessons were a whitewash and that in truth he was a marauder and even a fool thinking he reached China.  Recently a historian from Stanford University studied the pertinent documents of the times and Columbus’ personal papers.  She gives objective testimony that he was indeed a great man with sensitivity toward the people he encountered in his journeys.  The Transfiguration provides similar testimony for, at least, Peter, James, and John who had been puzzled about Jesus.

Although Peter has already acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, neither he nor the others had a proper concept of what the terms mean.  Peter in fact was unwilling to accept that being God’s anointed entails undergoing suffering and rejection for the sake of the people.  With the Transfiguration on the mountain the three disciples receive more insight into Jesus’ divine mission.  Peter’s desire to build three booths is not a wild gesture, but an understanding that the Messiah has indeed arrived as it was understood that the people would live in tents upon his coming as they had done during the forty year sojourn in Sinai.  True the three descend the mountain wondering what Jesus means by saying that he will rise from the dead, but they no longer refute him when he speaks of dying.

Living in a secular age we sometimes feel the ground of our faith swerving beneath us.  Yet there are moments in all of our lives when we feel the solidity of our beliefs like mountain boulders.  These are Transfiguration experiences, and we must hold on to them and indeed tell others about them.  They will assist us in being faithful to the Lord who gave himself entirely for our salvation.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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.

Homilette for Thursday, August 6, 2009

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10)

We come from a Christian culture. Experts say that the situation is changing, however, and that in short time most people won’t know more about Jesus than we know about the Hindu god Vishnu. But for the time being at least people have a good idea of what it means to rise from the dead.

But what of the time before Jesus’ resurrection? Would the people living in, say, the year 32 have any idea of what to rise from the dead means? Would even Jesus’ apostles understand the concept? Probably not! The resurrection from the dead would probably boggle their minds like the idea of human beings growing like apples on a tree puzzles us today.

On this Feast of the Transfiguration we hear how God gives Jesus’ disciples a clue about what shall have happened when Jesus is reported as having risen from the dead. The gospel today relates that Jesus’ body is changed into a realm of light so bright that his clothes appear to gleam. He takes on a completely new form of being which allows him to communicate with saints long dead. God confirms this vision of glory by naming Jesus his “beloved son” and saying that he should be listened to. When news comes that Jesus has risen from the grave after a scandalous death, the disciples will not be fettered by doubt. At least their leaders will remember what they were privileged to see on the mountain. They will be sure that Jesus is the son of God whose story the world needs to hear. And they will sacrifice their very lives so that all might receive this good news.

Homilette for Monday, August 6, 2007

The Feast of the Transfiguration

(Luke 9)

When Americans hear of a mountaintop experience, they may remember Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, famous speech. On the night before he was assassinated, Dr. King spoke of his seeing from the mountaintop white people and black people standing together for the equality of all. Such a vision enabled King to continue his quest for social justice and world peace. There were threats on his life, but the possibility of a better world made him put fear behind as he marched forward.

Much like Martin Luther King, Peter, James, and John get a glimpse of their goal on the mountaintop. In the Transfiguration they see Jesus in his glory. This revelation will keep the disciples from despair as the bloody passion unfolds. It will also assure them that what they see is true as the unheard-of resurrection erupts. Having been witnesses to Jesus’ anticipatory glory, the three chosen disciples will lead the others in the daunting task of testifying to Jesus’ salvation.

Privy to the Transfiguration through our hearing the gospel account, we too have added impetus to tell others about Jesus. No one is going to kill us for it, but nevertheless we my have to face humiliation and contempt. Jail guards used to ridicule Sunday morning visitors from a Catholic campus ministry who would offer of assistance to the incarcerated. “The ‘do-gooders’ have arrived,” they chimed. “Do-gooders” we all are because of Jesus. He makes us good, and he sends us forth to make the world a little better.