REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus and his disciples are about to go to Jerusalem where Jesus will suffer greatly, be killed, and will rise after three days. Jesus knows that his impending passion can easily blur the vision of his disciples with regard to his resurrection. Hence, Jesus allows them to have a foretaste of the glory of his resurrection. He transfigures before Peter, James, and John.
The experience is good (kalon) and too delightful that Peter proposes to pitch tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, respectively. Peter seems to suggest that they should remain there. However, Jesus cannot remain on the mountaintop. He must go down from there and fulfill his mission in Jerusalem.
Jesus shows to his disciples his glory in order that his disciples will have enough inspiration and courage to face the difficult times awaiting them. Likewise, Jesus’ transfiguration is giving us the same inspiration and courage to face our own everyday struggles.
Gospel • Mark 9:2-10
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.