The Gospel today recalls the wonderful moment when Jesus and the core group of the Apostles go up a high mountain to pray [probably Mt Hermon rather than Mt Tabor as some have it]. There He is transfigured before them. They receive a glimpse of the full glory of God in Jesus, Moses representing the Law and Elijah representing the prophets also are seen. This glory is also a glimpse of our destiny if we follow the path of Jesus which of course means dying to sin so that we might rise to the new life in the risen Christ. This glimpse is also given to us in the Mass as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
In the text Peter makes one of his typical statements getting it absolutely right and absolutely wrong at the same time! He says, “Lord it is wonderful for us to be here”. Indeed it is and it continues to be so for it is wonderful to be at our regular encounter with heavenly glory, the Mass. However, Peter continues talking of making a tent for the three, trying to capture the moment of God’s glory which of course we can’t. We must take care not to try and trap and “bottle up” any insights or consolations given us for they are gifts of the moment. Then God speaks. In words very similar to those spoken to Jesus at his Baptism God now speaks to us through the disciples. “This is my Son, the Chosen one, Listen to him”.
God bless you, your families, and the week ahead.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter
