August 5, 2013. Homily, August 6, 2013

Luke 9:28b-36
The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed its appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. " But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him. [This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!]" After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Meditation: God wants to share his glory with us!  We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain.  Luke's account tells us that Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem -- his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8). 
While this transpired Peter, James, and John were asleep!  Upon awakening they discovered the transfiguration of Jesus along with Moses and Elijah.  How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually?  There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions.  The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ.  Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us.  Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.  Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?

"Lord, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life.  Let me see your glory." 

Moses represents the Law, the Torah.
Elijah represents the prophets. Elijah was paramount among the prophets: he had bested the 450 priests of Baal in a dramatic showdown as to who was the true God [calling down fire to burn the sacrifice to God], God passed before Elijah hidden in his cave at Mount Hereb as a gentle wind, at the end of his life Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, Elijah was to return as a precursor of the Messiah.  Taken together Moses and Elijah signified the major portion of revelation prior to Jesus - the Law [the Torah] and the Prophets.  Moses and Elijah appeared in Glory, "glory" meaning radiance signifying the presence of God. The Exodus of the people from Egypt is the central act in Judaism, and the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus is the central act in Christianity. 

Arian heresy: Jesus was simply human but not divine. rebutted by Transfiguration.
Monophysite heresy: Jesus was only divine but not human. rebutted by Agony in the Garden.