Second Sunday of Lent The Transfiguration

Lent 2 Transfiguration 

            Today we are going to ask five questions about the transfiguration. First of all, Where did it happen? Tradition places this event at Mount Tabor, 300 metres above the plain. It looks taller than it is. Now there is a winding road that goes to the top; they use shuttle buses to take you up there. Pope Francis says that these days of Lent we need to climb up, becoming closer to God, leave material things behind. We carry what we need. When you do the Camino of Santiago they recommend you to carry only 8 kilos. Saints love the mountains, you feel closer to God and it is easier to pray. You are alone, free from distractions, fresh air and magnificent view. We feel closer to heaven. Benedict XVI says that “the mountain is the place of ascent—not only outward, but also inward ascent; it is a liberation from the burden of everyday life, a breathing in of the pure air of creation; it offers a view of the broad expanse of creation and its beauty; it gives one an inner peak to stand on and an intuitive sense of the Creator.”

            Second, When did it happen? After Jesus’ announcement in Caesarea Philippi to his disciples, that he was to undergo suffering in Jerusalem, that he was going to die at the hands of the chief priests, the elders and the Scribes. The Apostles had been saddened and dismayed by this announcement. They didn’t understand why he had to go through this event, knowing that it was going to happen.

            Third, Who did Jesus choose to accompany him? Peter, John and James. The three beloved apostles, the ones Jesus showed more affection. Peter was the first Pope, James the first to die martyr and John the last apostle to die. It is a good question we can ask ourselves, if Jesus would have chosen us to accompany him, if he is going to share a bit of his cross with us. Are we ready to go up the mountain with him? Are we willing to witness his transfiguration and his agony in the garden?

            Fourth, Why did he show them his divinity? Jesus took them to Mount Tabor and Getsemane. They were going to be witness of his agony in the garden. He wanted to spare them of the scandal of the Cross. Jesus showed them his two natures, both in natural settings, one at the top of a mountain, the other in a garden. Afterwards only one of them accompanied Jesus at Calvary. Jesus was right to show them his divinity, but it didn’t help them to trust him.

            And fifth, What did it happen? Jesus appeared as he is, all white, full of light. It was the real Jesus. Benedict XVI comments that “the Transfiguration is a prayer event; it displays visibly what happens when Jesus talks with his Father: the profound interpenetration of his being with God, which then becomes pure light. In his oneness with the Father, Jesus is himself light from light.” The light came from within, he was light, unlike us, where the light comes from outside, illuminating us. The closer we become to Jesus, the more we share his light, like the moon reflects the light of the sun. The moon doesn’t have any light itself. It’s the same with us. We can only reflect Jesus’ divinity.

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