What significance can the Transfiguration description in the Sunday gospel have for us some 2000 years plus since Jesus Christ was born? Is there a message that we may have overlooked in the past?
What can we discern from the reaction of the disciples who were with Jesus on the mountain where they experienced the "transfiguration?" Perhaps it is a bit of a stretch but consider these thoughts. If you look at the picture above (actually it is a mountain range in Neveda), you may notice peaks and valleys. You might see this as a reflection of our human experiences. We live with peak moments and and daily life in the valleys of our experiences.
Jesus invited the three apostles to be with him on the mountain for a reason. It became a time when there was genuine contemplation and activity. At the top of the mountain (or hill) the disciples witnesses the "power" of Jesus, the presence of God the Father speaking. Then there is the decision to return into the valley where there was the city. We spend most of our time in the valleys not on the mountain top. We spend most of our lives in activity not in contemplation.
What the apostles witnessed was an event that would be a point to which they could return -- at least in there minds and memories -- in the days and weeks ahead. And they might well need these "graces" as Jesus draws them closer with him to his ultimate sacrifice which could be a source of threat and fear for his colleagues. This was the strengthening of the apostles for those difficult days.
Peter wanted to build three tents so that the might have a solid reminder to them of what happened. Perhaps, they thought, if needed, they could return to the site to attempt reliving the moment. They did not have a Sony or Kodak digital camera that could record the event.
The event on the mountain top was a moment of contemplation. God the Father opened the minds and hearts of the apostles. They saw more clearly who Jesus was. Our mountain peak moments are times when we have insights. It can be likened to the times we sit, alone, with a cup of tea or coffee or we watch a spectacular sunset or sunrise. In those moments our hearts and minds are opened to events that speak to us of God's presence in our lives. We live in the valleys! Our day-to-day lives exists in the activities that fill our days. When problems arise in those valleys, it is the insight that we were given in our mountain moments that are designed by God to help us see what is happening and what is best for us.
Early in Lent we are encouraged to recognize the valley experiences that challenge us. We are invited to bring to those challenges the mountain moments we have experienced. It is the grace of God, isn't it?
