Transfiguration of the Lord (2022-2023)

How many of us have had a biology class?

Those who took the class possibly heard about this word: Metamorphosis.

It is one of the most remarkable biological events.

Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and emerges radically different – as a beautiful, delicate butterfly.

You can easily find a time-lapse video on YouTube showing this strange-looking caterpillar forming a chrysalis, and then a couple of weeks later, opening up to display this butterfly.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration.

That word in Greek is "metamorphosis," which means “change of form and appearance.”

Of course, it is not about the caterpillar or the butterfly.

The story we have in our Gospel reading may seem intimidating and unusual, even bringing some skepticism in us: Did that really happen?

It matches the magnitude of the stories of Christ’s birth and the resurrection.

Today we didn’t hear about that in the Gospel, but it seems that this little thing is the key – if you would open your Bibles to this passage: Mt 17:1, you will hear that it begins after six days when Jesus took Peter, James, and John, his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

Wait! Six days after what?

What happened six days earlier that was so important?

Two things, actually – both involving Peter.

First, Peter made his great confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 16:16-17).

Second, immediately after this great confession, Jesus told them about going to Jerusalem and being killed and raised.

That was too much for Peter.

He liked the idea of Jesus being the all-powerful Son of God, but when Jesus began to talk about suffering and death, Peter wanted nothing to do with it.

So he rebuked Jesus – Imagine rebuking God!

Peter had his own plan, even for God!

He could not understand how it could be that death could be conquered by dying?

That was absurd!

The disciples were looking forward to the reign of Jesus – in the human way.

What Jesus was trying to tell them was not of this world; his enemies were not the Romans, and his crown was not made of gold and jewels but of thorns.

Six days after this came the Transfiguration.

Jesus unveiled the glory that had always been his, and the disciples saw him metamorphosize before their eyes.

They had a chance to see Christ as the Lord, talking to Elijah and Moses – The disciples had a glimpse of how it would be on the last day – when Christ will come back again.

Experiencing that amazing moment, Peter came up with the idea of making three tents.

Seems silly, right?

Not really – in the human sense – these words were perfect!

Would we not like to freeze these happy moments of our life? How much we would like them to last forever.

It was again Peter’s plan – not God’s.

In Matthew 17:5 “He was still speaking when, lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.””

Peter was still speaking about his plan – keeping this glory on the mountaintop – but he was interrupted not by just anyone, but by God the Father who spoke from heaven, essentially saying, “Peter, shut up! Stop your babbling. Forget your plan to avoid suffering and the cross. Jesus rebuked you once already. Listen to him!”

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear that Peter didn’t know what he was saying – Mk 9:6 “For he did not know what to say."

Peter didn’t know that without suffering, there could be no glory – at least no glory for him.

“Listen to him!”

And what was Jesus saying? Saint Luke records that Jesus was speaking with Moses and Elijah – Lk 9:31 “Jesus spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem” – What will happen there.

It was a great lesson that Jesus gave Peter, James, and John – because their faith would be tested at his Crucifixion.

And because of that, Peter could write not only about His but any kind of cross we experience:

1 Peter 4:12–13 RSVCE

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Feast is meant to help and encourage us.

So many times, our eyes, our plans, and our emotions deceive us and lead us astray.

Jesus is giving us a glimpse of the glory which will surely come, like a moment of transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Jesus promises that the suffering of this life will be remembered no more.

Jesus promises that even when we reach the moment of death, we can share the glory with him for all eternity. Amen.