Readings: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36
Theme: The Transfiguration of Jesus
The transfiguration of Jesus has captured the imagination of artists down through the ages. Among the many mosaics, paintings and icons depicting this scene, the sixth century mosaic in the Basilica of the monastery of St Catherine in Sinai is my favourite. At the centre of the mosaic is the figure of Jesus transfigured. His right hand is raised in blessing and his eyes directed towards us. His clothes are shining white with gold edging. From His body, shafts of light emanate towards each of the five figures present: to his right, the prophet Elijah; to his left, Moses; around his feet, the Apostles John, Peter, and James. This wonderful mosaic captures the drama of the event: the three Apostles in a state of shock and bewilderment, while Jesus stands serenely above them, flanked by Moses and Elijah, who appear to be blessing him.
The story of the Transfiguration, as recounted by Luke in today’s gospel, takes place at a critical moment in Jesus’ ministry. He would soon leave Galilee behind and ‘turn his face resolutely towards Jerusalem’ (Lk 9:51), where he would suffer the same fate as the prophets before him. As he had forewarned his disciples: ‘The Son of man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day’ (Lk 9: 22). He also reminded them that they, too, must share his cross and be prepared to lose their lives for his sake.(cf. Lk 9:23-24).
In moments of crisis, or when facing a major decision, it was Jesus’ custom to withdraw to a lonely place and spend time, sometimes all night in prayer (cf. Lk 6:12-13). On this occasion Jesus takes with him three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, and goes up a mountain (probably Mount Tabor) to pray. As he prays, he is transfigured: ‘the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became sparkling white’ (Lk 9:29). Luke highlights the significance of the transfiguration for Jesus himself and for his beloved disciples. As on the occasion of his baptism by John, in this moment of luminosity, a voice from heaven confirms the identity and messianic vocation of Jesus. ‘And a voice came from the cloud saying, This is my Son, the Chosen One Listen to him’ (Lk 9:35). This affirmation strengthened Jesus to face the dark and threatening future that lay ahead of him as he resolutely took the road to Jerusalem. For Luke, the glorious manifestation of Jesus is inseparable from the shadow of the Cross. He tells us that the conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the Mountain was about ‘his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem’ (Lk 9:31).
The transfiguration experience was important not just for Jesus but even more so for Peter, James, and John. Their eyes are opened to catch a glimpse of Jesus in his glory and their ears are opened to hear the divine confirmation of Jesus’ identity as ‘beloved Son’ to whom they are called to listen. Captivated by the experience, Peter wants to remain on the mountain in the exalted company of Elijah, Moses and Jesus. However, this is not to be. The moment of illumination passes and the three disciples find themselves alone with Jesus (cf. Lk 9:36).
Lent is a time to remember such moments in our own lives and draw strength from them. It is a time deepen our trust in the Lord like Abraham in our first reading: ‘Abraham put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified’ (Gen 15:6). It is a time to withdraw to the mountain with Jesus, to listen to him, and let him lead us on our journey towards Easter, mindful, as our second reading tells us, that Jesus ‘will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious bodies’ (Phil 3:21).
In these frightening and uncertain times, we need a light that illumines the mystery of life in depth and helps us to move beyond the struggles, the doubts and fears of our everyday lives. Like Peter, James and John, we are invited to climb up the mountain and contemplate the beauty of Christ transfigured, casting glimmers of light on the tapestry of our lives, and helping us to interpret history in the light of Easter. So, as we continue our Lenten journey, let us hearken to the exhortation of Pope Francis in his Message for Lent 2025 ‘to journey together in hope, for we have been given a promise, a hope that does not disappoint’ (cf Rom 5:5).
I conclude with a sonnet by Malcolm Guite that captures beautifully the significance of the story of the Transfiguraton, giving us ‘a glimpse of how things really are’.
For that one moment, ‘in and out of time’,
On that one mountain where all moments meet,
The daily veil that covers the sublime
In darkling glass fell dazzled at his feet.
There were no angels full of eyes and wings
Just living glory full of truth and grace.
The Love that dances at the heart of things
Shone out upon us from a human face
And to that light the light in us leaped up,
We felt it quicken somewhere deep within,
A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope
Trembled and tingled through the tender skin.
Nor can this blackened sky, this darkened scar
Eclipse that glimpse of how things really are.
Fr Michael McCabe SMA
Alternative audio Homily from Fr Tom Casey, SMA Media Centre, Ndola, Zambia: