The Transfiguration of our Lord: Gospel, Luke 9:28-36   

Luke 9:28-36

What a marvelous Sunday on the calendar of the Church. We celebrate together an unveiling of sorts. The magi have had their epiphany. Now the inner circle of Jesus gets a turn. And not because they are better or holier than the other nine. It is simply by Jesus' choice. Interesting that the first aspect of the event that Luke highlights is “his face was altered” (v. 29). All through the Old Testament and particularly in the Aaronic Benediction we read and hear of the place given to the face of God, in our case today, the face of Jesus. To have the face of God turned toward us, shining on us is a blessing unequalled. (cf. Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 67)

During the event before us, Jesus’ face is altered, his clothing becomes dazzling white and a voice speaks from heaven. To the Old Covenant Jew no “sign” of God was more important than the voice of God. May I insert here that to the New Covenant disciple of Jesus, shouldn’t that be equally true? Just something to chew on. A few more verses into the account and we have the Father speaking to saints from both historic covenants gathered with Jesus and they hear, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (v. 35). And in the closing verse of the narrative Jesus now stands alone before them. Moses and Elijah have exited and we can discern that it is the definitive voice of the Son which takes precedence. Another good lesson, perhaps. We modern Christians seem to be so adept at latching onto other things, other lesser voices included.

One other point to take note of is the fact that at the close of the miracle “they kept silent.” Again, another contrast with us moderns. We see, we experience, and the mouths open and the social media accounts receive the marks of our participation. We blab. They pondered. Who makes more impact for the kingdom? It’s something worth pondering today. Oh we are called to spread the good news. I’m not arguing against that whatsoever. But I am suggesting that perhaps a bit more thought, digestion, and even prayer centered on what we have been given might bear a greater quality as well as quantity of good fruit. Teach us, good Lord.