Feast of the Transfiguration

August 6, 2002

by Rev. Herbert Nichols

 

This feast interrupts then normal sequence of gospels where we find Jesus teaching on the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. Instead we find him today, once again retreating from the crowds, this time he takes with Him only Peter, James and John. And as He prays His appearance is miraculously transformed before their eyes in a way that is indescribable. The radiance of this the Eternal Son breaks through more brilliantly than the sun could break through on any cloudy day.

There are many questions that could be asked about this very unusual scenario: Why are Peter, James, and John, so frequently singled out from the rest of the Apostles? From the very beginning it was James and John, Peter and his brother Andrew who were the first to respond to the call. But there really is no answer to ask why Jesus chooses to call whom he does and when?

The second question is somewhat similar: Why do Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus? Both of these men had their own mountain top experiences - Moses receiving the Law on Sinai and Elijah the call of a prophet on Carmel. Perhaps together with the above apostles they represent the foundation and the fulfillment of the Judeo-Christian Tradition.

The third and most important question: What significance does this transformation have for us? Jesus unveils in so far as the human eye can bear it in this present life, a glimpse of the glory of heaven which is to come. It is a pre-figurement. God is calling His people to be transformed, not to transform ourselves. We cannot make ourselves holy; we cannot make ourselves in the image of God. Some make a very valiant attempt; others a very nasty one; but only God can make us in the Divine image. Only God can make us holy.

Transformation can seem to some intimidating -- it is only a personal choice -- your personal choice. There is only a one step difference between confronting God face to face as an apparent equal or being a disciple and standing beside Him -- a step to one side, a step out of the way and allowing God to take the lead. For many it is the most difficult step in the world to take. It involves risk, a new way of living, a walk into the unknown.

But if we allow ourselves to be led, if we allow ourselves to withdraw from worldly obsessions, earthly preoccupations; and to detach ourselves at least for a time from all creation in order to turn to the Creator, our inner strength. To pray with the simplicity of Peter: "It is good for us to be here" we will find the serenity and peace and power that we yearn for. We shall see God and God will transform our lives.