Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36
Fr. Thomas Oyode
“JESUS: THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S REVELATION”
Today’s gospel reading (Mark 9:2-10) tells that Jesus was on a hike with his closest of disciples, Peter, James, and John as they went up the mountain to pray. This was six days after Peter had been inspired by the Holy Spirit to declare him “Son of the Most High” and he had responded that he, the Son of Man, would have to suffer and rise again on the third day. It was at this point that he became transfigured, his clothing became dazzling white. In this way, Jesus confirms Peter’s declaration and the faith of the Apostles as he takes our minds back to the vision of Daniel which we read in today’s first reading (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14). In the second reading (2 Peter 1:16-19), St. Peter asserts this fact of the full revelation of Jesus as the Messiah who was to suffer, die and rise again, and which they experienced as eyewitnesses. Now let us look at the gospel narrative and see how the Transfiguration event teaches us to listen to Christ as the full revelation of the Divine Godhead and how we are to respond to it in our own Christian journey.
Firstly, we note that while Jesus was praying, apart from his transfiguration, two men identified as Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with him about the mission to be accomplished in Jerusalem. Now, the presence of Moses and Elijah is considered as a confirmation of Jesus as the expected Messiah, the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets. It also recalls the Jewish belief that the two men were Yahweh’s precursors and because they did not die an actual death, it was held among many Jews that Moses and Elijah would be sent back by God to declare the coming of God’s Kingdom. In other words, their presence with Jesus in the Transfiguration event is a confirmation that Jesus is the Kingdom of God himself.
Secondly, the experience was so tremendous and fascinating that Peter had to request that three tents be constructed for the three men. This is significant because Peter seems to confirm that, indeed, the reign of God has come and as every Jew knew from Zechariah’s prophecy (Zechariah 14:16-21), the expected Messiah would establish the Kingdom during the Feast of the Tents. In other words, Peter was not seeing the Messiah who was to suffer, he was only seeing the King who was to restore Israel’s peace. It was time for the festivities. He had forgotten that Jesus told him that he (Jesus) must suffer, that Christianity is a vocation of the Cross, a vocation of sacrifice. Little wonder Mark says “he did not know what he was saying.” Then a cloud comes and overshadows them. In scriptures, the cloud is considered as the presence of God. Thus, God’s presence appeared in their midst, saying, “this is my beloved Son, listen to him” and we are told that, afterwards, Jesus was found alone; Moses and Elijah were no longer with him.
It is important that we pay attention to these details further. Why does Mark tell us that Jesus was left alone after the voice spoke from the cloud, saying “listen to him”? It is because God wants us to realise that only in Christ can we attain knowledge of God and the way to salvation. Jesus himself tells us that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). God, thus, wants us to know that in Christ, he has communicated to us everything that we need to know about the truth of our faith. Precisely for this reason, the Second Vatican Council teaches us that Christ is the fullness of revelation and that after Christ there is no other revelation; he is the Word of God and Mediator between God and man (Dogmatic Constitution on the Word of God, n. 2). Therefore, let us not seek to build three or more tents. The only tent we need to build is the one Body of Christ. Seeking to build tents of division, confusion, and cliques that detract from Christ goes against God’s command to “listen to him”.
Lastly, so as not to make the same mistake as Peter, we must learn to follow Christ who leads us to Jerusalem along the way of suffering, sacrifice and glory. Jesus reveals the glory of his divinity so that we do not think that Christianity has no glory to offer us.
May our faith lead us to glory in Christ. Amen.
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Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
TRANSFIGURED: THAT WE MAY NOT BE DISFIGURED.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Transfiguration. Transfiguration comes from the Latin roots ‘trans’ (across) and ‘figura’ (form, shape). It signifies a change of form or shape. Many people want to change their shape today. Many persons are rushing to Gym houses to lose weight and build new figures or to maintain their figures. If we run to Jesus in prayers the way we run to gym houses we shall not be disfigured spiritually.
At the Transfiguration Jesus’ figure changed and his clothes became dazzling white. Daniel prefigured this experience in the first reading when he described a white robe as the garment of God. Similarly, Peter narrated his experience of the transfiguration as an eyewitness in the second reading. He made it clear that they did not follow cleverly devised myths but heard the voice of the Father affirming Jesus as His beloved Son, with whom He is well pleased.
There are basic lessons here:
1. The Transfiguration took place in order to strengthen the faith of the apostles so that in the days of the Lord’s passion, scandal and trials they will not be disfigured. Similarly, every divine encounter equips us to overcome future trials and fears. Divine encounter aligns us better!
2.The Transfiguration took place at the mountain top. Climbing a mountain requires a lot of determination and endurance. Therefore, we are to remain determined as we climb the mountains of life. Never give up; for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
3.The transfiguration is a call to listen to Jesus. We must learn to listen to Jesus. The information we receive often determines our deformation or transformation. If we listen to him; we shall be transformed and not deformed. If we listen to him we shall be transfigured and not disfigured.
4. The Transfiguration is a call to dwell in God’s presence. Peter said “It is good for us to be here.” God’s presence remains unmatched and in his presence we are empowered, strengthened and transformed.
LET US PRAY
Father, as we listen to your Son’s voice today may we merit to become coheirs with him and as we go through our earthly sojourn keep us true so that we may not be disfigured. Amen.
