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Manila Bulletin devider Reflections devider An indelible experience on a high mountain

An indelible experience on a high mountain

Published Mar 13, 2022 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Second Sunday of Lent features the transfiguration of Jesus on a high mountain. The feast of the Transfiguration itself is celebrated on Aug. 6 “Transfiguration” renders the Greek metamorphosis which describes the change in the appearance of Jesus. This is also the origin of the English “metamorphosis” which means “change of shape” or “transformation.” Luke, instead, speaks of Jesus’ face changing in appearance. He probably wishes to avoid a specialized terminology that might call to mind stories of the divine epiphanies (appearances) of pagan deities. This sensitivity is understandable since Luke comes from a pagan background. In Israel, prophets like Isaiah (6:1-13), Jeremiah (1:11-19), and Ezekiel (1:4-28) had their experience of God in alternate reality. They referred to this as vision, which can also be called “ecstasy” or “trance.” The same thing happened to the seer John in the Book of Revelation. Luke points out that the alteration in Jesus’ “face,” or his whole countenance, reflects something that transpired between him and God in prayer. What happens to Jesus is akin to Moses’ radiant face following his meeting with God on Mount Sinai (Ex 34:29-30). But the radiance comes from “within” Jesus, from his being the Son of God. The facial expression which reflects Jesus’ transformation becomes visible to the disciples, even if only for a moment. The scene in the transfiguration follows the prediction of the passion. During his ministry, Jesus has gained not only friends, but also enemies. He resolutely determines to go to Jerusalem where the prophets are persecuted. An experience like the transfiguration sets Jesus’ mind at ease. Conversing with Moses and Elijah, Jesus is being confirmed in his mission. The transfiguration is also a “mystical experience” for the disciples. Although they do not comprehend fully its meaning, they experience a theophany. They need this enlightenment because they are told by Jesus that following him entails denial of self and carrying the cross (Lk 9:23-25). SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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