Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson

So, Mary says to Megan as Bob says to Bill after Megan and Bill have been dieting: “Boy you sure look good!  What kind of plan have you been on?”   It’s a natural reaction to seeing a real transformation in their skinnier friends.  But have you ever noticed that very often the non-dieting person offers a caution: “Now don’t lose any more”?  I think that warning has roots in jealousy.

We must keep in mind, for the gospel’s sake, that there is a real difference between transformation and transfiguration.  We heard about the latter this weekend.  What St. Luke recounts for us was a truly marvelous incident. For good reason, Jesus let some of His glory shine through His glorified body.  Peter, James and John get to witness it.  So, we have one trio gazing in wonder at another one: Our Lord with Moses and Elijah.

We naturally must wonder what this incident means for us here and now. For one thing, we get proof that heaven exists. The presence of the Holy Trinity by way of the Father’s voice, and the cloud signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit tells us that there is a world beyond this one. St. Paul, in the Second Reading, tells us that’s where we are destined to dwell someday if we live as we ought.

A further meaning emerges for us in this scene, which is something we tend to forget: that Jesus really is God. That everything He said or did while here on earth is always valid. So, when we tend to downgrade His commands to be mere suggestions, for instance on any given Sunday, we are defying God.

Be careful not to relegate Jesus to the status of being just “a good guy.” Or just an historical figure totally irrelevant in a world of cyberspace and “AI.” He is the same yesterday, today and always.

Another plus derived from this story is the encouragement we can derive about the Lenten sacrifices we have decided to make. We do it all for God. We do it to honor Him for all He does for us.

One wise man observed the situation this way: “The distance from earth to heaven is not so much a matter of altitude as it is attitude.”

God love you and give you His peace.

Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary

Reading I: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

God lays Abram’s uncertainties to rest by strengthening His promises with a covenant oath, as He appears amid the offerings as smoke and fire.

Reading II: Philippians 3:17-4:1; or 3:20-4:1

Paul appeals to his readers to follow his example, as he models his own life after Christ’s. He further notes that Christ will transform our mortal bodies to be like His own.

The Gospel: Luke 9: 28b-36

The Transfiguration shows Christ revealing His glory to offset the shock of the first Passion prediction. The presence of Moses and Elijah testifies that Jesus will fulfill both the Law and the Old Testament Prophets.