THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION A/ 18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMA
SUSTENANCE, NOT SPECTACLE
MT. 17: 1-9
MESSAGE:
When Jesus was transformed, from his ordinary human appearance to a splendid and luminous persona, what a marvel it must have been to this three apostles, a feast for their eyes, a treat to their senses. Speaking for the others, Peter wanted to prolong their sojourn on the mountain, relishing the strange manifestation of Jesus and the vision of Moses and Elijah with him. But to the Lord, the miraculous transfiguration was not meant to be a spectacle to be enjoyed but a source of sustenance for the apostles in their hour of trial. Jesus was always in the company of these three – Peter, James and John – in special moments of his ministry. This heralds the important mission each of them will have in the life of the early church. Peter was to be the head of the apostolic band and a martyr for Christ; James was to be head of the Jerusalem community and a martyr as well; John was to be an evangelist and the caretaker of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For these three, as for the other followers of Jesus, the road ahead would be full of trials and tribulatons. Their faith would be severely tested and their hope crushed if the Lord would not give them a sign of his victory and power. Far from being a spectacle, the Transfigured Jesus was to be for them a sustenance in the moments of difficulties. The vision of Jesus’ luminous body and heavenly guests would serve as inspiration and a promise to keep them faithful until the end. Thus their experience was not meant to be a spectacle but a sustenance, a grace, an anchor of faith.
REFLECT:
We live in an age when many people still look for signs and are fascinated by visions and unexplainable phenomena. St Francis de Sales said that our faith should not be rooted in mystical experiences, however heavenly and mysterious these may be, but on our fidelity to Jesus in the ordinary mission and tasks of daily life. What image of Jesus or what words of his sustain you as you confront the problems and challenges of your daily life at home, at work, or in your relationships? Thank the Lord for the inspiration he sends you!
ourparishpriest 2023
