The Transfiguration of the Lord

by David Lins  |  08/06/2023  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This weekend, the Catholic Church focuses on the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain and something pretty cool happens.

“He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.”

First of all. Definitely NOT just a man. This is one of those moments where you either believe in miracles or you don’t believe in the Bible. (Furthermore, if you don’t believe in miracles, what kind of god do you believe in? It certainly isn’t God.)

Second, the presence of Moses and Elijah (a foretaste of Jesus’ resurrection) was a pretty bold proclamation that death is not the end for those who believe in the true God.

His temporary unveiling revealed his divine nature in a new and radical way to the three blessed enough to be invited. And the inclusion of Moses and Elijah reassured their belief in the kingdom to come.

They might’ve needed this experience to endure the events of the first Holy Week. It’s true that Andrew hid in the upper room with the other disciples, but this mountaintop experience might have kept him from fleeing to another land and forsaking his faith altogether.

It’s also true that Peter denied Jesus three times, but this might’ve given Peter the wisdom to immediately recognize his sin and repent.

Finally, it is very likely that this transformative moment gave John the fortitude to stand with Jesus at the cross—an act that put his life in mortal danger. It is worth noting here that the one disciple who was courageous enough to show up at the crucifixion was also the only disciple to live to an old age—which I believe is a good lesson.

So many of us spend our lives afraid to proclaim our Faith. We hide our beliefs for fear of the consequences. But often, the more bold we become, the more we realize we have nothing to fear. Even death, itself.