Transfiguration

On the last Sunday before Lent the Church focuses on the story of what we describe as “the transfiguration of Jesus”. Perhaps we do this to be reminded that there is no place for any follower of Jesus to pitch a tent where we stay put, continually thinking about the moments of success and truth which occasionally come our way.
Like the disciples with Jesus on the mountain, we too are privileged to stand within God's salvation history: between being given the Law, the prophets and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Sometimes we see hints of the glory which lies ahead, but, if we were to settle now for 'the seeds of the promise' while we are still on the journey, we would miss out on the promise itself.
We must follow a suffering Jesus along a way of the Cross to come to the glory.

Matthew 17:1-9

1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”