Transfiguration

Well, it was “to pray” that Jesus led the three disciples up a mountain, in the Gospel today. So they hike up the mountain, they reach the summit, and Jesus then begins his time of prayer just as the three disciples had anticipated. But in the midst of that prayer, everything changed.

In the midst of that prayer, Jesus’ face “changed in appearance,” his clothing “became dazzling white.” And this “dazzling white” is the color that belongs to the End of Days.

It is the color of objects and animals in the Book of Revelations. In the midst of time, the disciples are given a glimpse of how the Lord will appear when he comes, at the end of time. Now appear the two figures who speak with Jesus—Moses and Elijah. And they bring all of Scripture, the Law and the Prophets, to this moment with the Christ of God. They are speaking with Jesus about his exodus, what he was to accomplish in Jerusalem.

They are speaking about the “Paschal mystery,” this exodus of Christ from death, to new and eternal life. At the Easter Vigil, as the Paschal candle is blessed the Exultet is sung, this ancient Christian hymn:

“This is the night…”“This is the night…you freed the people of Israel from their slavery and led them with dry feet through the sea.”“This is the night…when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin!”“This is the night…when Christians everywhere are washed clean of sin…”“This is the night…when Jesus broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.”“This is the night!”

So Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about the exodus of Jesus.

Then Luke points us away from the three who are speaking of exodus, and toward the three who followed Jesus up the mountain. They are “overcome by sleep.” At first this seems such an odd response to this vision of glory. Yet one defense mechanism to overwhelming events is to fall asleep: ignore it, deny it.

This happened to the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration. Seems like they go to sleep as a way to deal with profound changes and opportunities. The strategy doesn’t work, of course. Sooner or later, you have to wake up.

So Peter and James and John do wake up, and Peter blurts out his famous and awkward idea: “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents.” Let’s stay here, freeze the moment, never leave, never move, never grow.

Notice the opposition between what the disciples speak about—the three dwellings (staying)—and what Jesus speaks of—his exodus (moving). These are our choices—a deadly stop, trying to hold on to a past glory, or a Spirit-led journey with the Lord. Do you go with Peter and his three dwellings, or with the Lord in his exodus?

Jesus’ exodus, if we follow him, will lead us down off this mountain with its wondrous glory. It will lead us to Jerusalem, to Pontius Pilate, to the cross. We’ll be called to live out our baptism—the Paschal mystery. Stay or exodus, these are the choices.

Then a voice announces, “This is my chosen Son,” and adds “Listen to him.” This is the same voice about the Beloved Son as at Jesus’ baptism. But now, with this additional command: “Listen to him!” It seems odd though, since we have not heard directly from Jesus through all of the occurrences on this Mount of Transfiguration. It has been a vision, and what sights we have seen. But “Listen to him!”? So we think back, what was it that the Lord did say just before leading the three up on this mountain? Oh yes, it was this prophecy:

The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

When we are told to listen to Jesus, this is what we hear.

So “Listen to him.” Listen to our Lord speak of the exodus he is about to accomplish in Jerusalem for us. Listen to him as he teaches us how to live out life, baptized into the Paschal mystery that brings us through death, to Life. Follow him. Listen to him. Don’t be tempted to stay on the mountain.