It’s as if we have only just started running a marathon and the crowd start cheering as if we were passing the finishing post. Too much, too soon! Yet, from the beginning catechumens, those seeking baptism on Holy Saturday, would be encouraged to contemplate this remarkable event in Jesus’ life. The Transfiguration was a moment when the Father permitted three favoured disciples to glimpse the true glory and power of Jesus as the Eternal Son of the Father. It is also a peep, if you like, into our destiny as children of God and the gift of eternal life, the hope of the life to come.
An early Christian homily captured beautifully this living hope: ‘Just as the body of the Lord was glorified on the mountain when it was transfigured in the glory of God and in infinite light, so the bodies of the saints will be glorified and shine like lightening. “The glory which you have given to me I have given to them”. As countless candles are lit from a single flame, so the bodies of all Christ’s members will be what Christ is. Our human nature is transformed into the fullness of God; it becomes wholly fire and light’. Jesus revealed who he was, and who we would become in Christ. He was revealing what had already begun and giving us a vision that would forever change the way we think about our dignity and destiny.
Jesus revealed before mortal eyes the transcendent truth of who he is, and who Peter, James and John – and each one of us – would become in him. We can rely on Peter’s witness of his experience of Christ’s Transfiguration which assures us of hope of eternal life:
‘For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitness of his majesty. He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.’ (2 Peter. 1:16-18)
