Today, we gather to reflect on a profound moment in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is known as the Transfiguration.
This event is a powerful declaration of the divine nature of Christ to prepare his disciples for the most challenging moment in Jesus’ ministry that they are about to witness – his suffering and death. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Mountains have a deep significance as they are where God’s people encounter God’s presence; We have Moses receiving the Law on Sinai in today’s Old Testament reading. Elijah experiences God in the still whisper on Mt Horeb. Jesus takes His closest disciples away from the busyness of life to reveal His divine glory. Jesus reveals the glory of his divine nature to strengthen them for the frailty of his human nature as he experiences suffering and death. He does this so they do not lose their faith in him.
As they reach the mountain top something incredible happens. Jesus is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. This is a moment of revelation that reveals Jesus’ true hidden glory. Jesus reveals that he is not just a teacher or leader; He is the glorious Son of God, fulfilling the law and the prophets, as represented by Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him. In this glorious transfiguration and in the events to follow we witness the reality that Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
Likewise in the world – Jesus is not a moral example to follow – he is not an inspirational leader – he is our Lord and Saviour. Without faith our eyes will only see the humanity and what the world does to him still today. The humiliation – the ridicule – the mockery of the church and children of God. Much like without faith we only see water, bread and wine. But with faith we see and receive the glory of God hidden in the earthly elements. The glory of Christ is revealed to us as a glimpse of what is to come—the resurrection and the ultimate victory over sin and death. As Paul says in Colossians 3 – your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Likewise Holy Communion is a foretaste of the feast to come.
For us today, it serves as a reminder that our faith is not based merely on moral teachings or good ethics but on the divine person of Jesus, who goes beyond all understanding. The disciples’ reaction is a combination of confusion and fear. It is understandable; Encountering the divine is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Peter, in an attempt to capture this extraordinary moment, suggests building 3 shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, wanting to cling to the glory of what he has witnessed. Peter does what many of us would do. He tries to hold onto the moment. “Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let me build three shelters…” It’s such a human response.
When something holy happens, we want to preserve it, protect it, freeze it in place. But the voice of God interrupts, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” This divine declaration emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus, the beloved Son. Listen to what in particular? If we remember that the same declaration happened at his Baptism – this is my son whom I love – in our own Baptism Jesus made a promise: I am with you always.
That is something we can listen to continually particularly when we go through difficult times. Listen to Him when He says,
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Listen to Him when He says, “Love your enemies.” Listen to Him when He says, “Come to me, all who are weary.” Listen to Him when He says, “Take up your cross and follow me.” Listen to Him when He says, “I am with you always.”
It is the tension of Christians who face both glory and suffering as saint and sinner. The world is full of noise—opinions, fears, distractions, demands. But on the mountain, God cuts through it all; Sometimes as only a quiet whisper as Elijah experienced: Our lives won’t always be mountain top experiences: We find ourselves wanting to hold onto moments of intense emotion or revelation but that just doesn’t happen.
So we are reminded not to dwell on the mountaintop experiences because they won’t always last. But to listen to Jesus and follow Him back into our ordinary lives, where our true transformation occurs.
The Transfiguration is not just about what happens on the mountain; it is about what happens when we come down.
And notice that they did not come down alone. Jesus came with them. True transformation happens as we listen to Jesus and apply His teachings in our lives, thereby reflecting His light in a world that desperately needs it. As we heard last week – let your light shine so others see God’s glory through us.
So how do we maintain the light of the Transfiguration? Listen to Jesus: In a world full of noise and distraction, prioritizing time in prayer and reading our bibles is essential. Jesus desires to speak to us and guide us into a more profound encounter with Him. Live in His Light: After the mountain, we are called to shine His light in our actions, attitudes, and relationships. How we treat others reflects our understanding of His love and glory. Embrace Transformation: Transformation often requires surrender—letting go of old habits, beliefs, and fears. Ask the Lord to help you identify areas in your life that need His transforming touch. Share the Experience: While we are not to dwell on our mountaintop experiences, we are called to share our encounters with Christ in ways that inspire and uplift others.
So the transfiguration teaches us: We need moments of revelation which come to us in: Times of worship, prayer, Scripture, community— Moments that remind us who Jesus is and who we are. That’s why we cannot stay on the mountain.
Faith is lived out in the everyday in kindness, forgiveness, justice, compassion toward our neighbour. And Jesus goes with us. The Jesus who shines in glory is the same Jesus who touches us when we are afraid. The same Jesus who leads us down the mountain walks with us through every valley. Your testimony could be the key that opens someone else’s heart to Jesus. So as we move forward from this moment, let us remember that we are all invited to the mountain—to experience Christ’s glory and then return renewed and transformed to make a difference in the world around us. May we carry the light of Christ within us, reflecting His love, grace, and truth in every aspect of our lives. Amen.
