Sunday Readings: Genesis 12.1-4 2 Timothy 1.8-10 Matthew 17.1-9
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before their very eyes. . . . Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” When they heard this, the disciples fell forward on the ground, overcome with fear. Jesus came toward them and laying his hand on them, said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 17.1-2,5).
Matthew’s account of the transfiguration is the preeminent story of transformation. Just a few verses earlier Jesus tells his followers for the first time that he will suffer, die, and rise on the third day. Then he leads Peter, James, and John to a place away from the others to show them what it means to walk the path through death to resurrection.
In his transfiguration we see Jesus as both divine and vulnerable, belonging to both heaven and earth, residing in both ordinary and extraordinary worlds. His transfiguration terrifies his followers, but Jesus touches them gently and tells them not to fear. This awakening to Jesus’ suffering moves the disciples from ordinary to sacred time. This vision disturbs their lives. The solid ground on which they stand shifts.
Jesus’ transfiguration is a crossroad event for Peter, James, and John that casts new light on Jesus’ place in Israel’s history and their future as his followers.
When has an awakening transformed your past and future?