Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year A – August 6, 2017

Readings: Dan 7:9-10.13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-2.5-6.9.(R.1a.9a); 

2 Pet 1:16-19 & Gospel Matthew 17:1b-9.

Theme: Living a Transfigured Life!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, away from our usual catechesis on the parables of Jesus, today we are presented with the transfiguration narrative. The transfiguration of the Lord is an epochal event in the ministry of Jesus. On Transfiguration Sunday, our liturgy points out some realities that are crucial to the life of Jesus and ours too. We shall reflect on these in the light of “Living a Transfigured Life.”

The Meat of Transfiguration Sunday

We shall reflect on the implication of the transfiguration while accessing the pre-transfiguration, the transfiguration and the post-transfiguration periods and their implication for us today:

1. Pre-Transfiguration Period: The events leading to the transfiguration of Jesus are crucial to this reflection. As such, we must understand that Jesus wanted his apostles to understand some things:

(a). The Choice of Apostles: The choice of Peter, James and John is very instructive. It is important to note that these were the first set of apostles that Jesus called. Why did he choose them for the transfiguration experience? Well, the answer is not farfetched. Since the saying goes, seeing is believing, it was imperative for Jesus let them have a firsthand experience of the glimpse of the heaven he had promised them.  

(b). The Choice of a Mountain: In the bible, mountains are places of very important encounters with God. For instance, the Ten Commandments were given on a mountain. By inviting the disciples to climb the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus wanted to set the records right. He wanted the apostles to know that making heaven is a herculean task. It was important that the apostles know that there are not short cuts to heaven safe for the royal road of the cross.

2. The Transfiguration Period: The transfiguration period is marked by very important events which have theological meaning namely:

(a). Transfigurating Elements: As Jesus was transfigured, his face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzlingly white as the light. This signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit; the giver of life and the sanctifier. 

(b). Appearance of Moses and Elijah: The appearance of Moses who represented the Law and Elijah who represented the Prophets was to testify that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. It was essential that the two endorse Jesus as the last of the prophets and perfecter of the Law.

(c). Peter’s Remarks: Peter’s remarks, “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah,” demonstrates that he was overwhelmed by the beatific experience. St. Matthew wants to prove to us that Peter’s testimony about the experience is true. This further shows that no one who has experienced heaven would like to lose that experience. 

(d). The Voice of the Father: The voice of the Father was also to prove to the apostles Jesus’ relationship with his Father. As were, this divine endorsement was to let them know that he was not acting alone or on his own. We shall dwell on the implication for us in the pastoral implication for believers. 

3. Post-Transfiguration Period: The last phase of the narrative being the post-transfiguration experience is twofold:

(a). the “Tell no one” Order: By ordering his disciples to tell no one, Jesus wanted his apostles to keep a low profile of these events until he rises from the dead. This is because his rising from the dead has a necessary connection with his transfiguration. It was better for the breaking news to come last so that the whole narrative of his passion would be complete.     

(b). His Dead and Resurrection: Our liturgy implies the post-transfiguration period because after the resurrection, the apostles realized that all the Lord told them was true. What are the pastoral implications for contemporary believers?

Pastoral Implications

1. Heaven and Hell are real: The transfiguration experience reminds us that heaven and hell are real. There is no mistake about it. Jesus did not want to leave his apostles in doubt. On the contrary, he clears their doubts concerning the reality of the beatific vision. If he showed them the glimpse of heaven, it means that hell is also real. As such, we should not be daydreaming and acting drama like the rich man who asked Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his siblings. It suffices that we have ministers of the word to remind us about the eschatological reality namely, the reality of afterlife.

2. Church is a Metaphor for Mountain: Our liturgy presents us with the Church as that mountain where we have a divine encounter with God through the sacraments and God’s word. Through baptism, we enter into a covenantal relationship with God haven being washed clean by the waters of baptism. Accordingly, the first reading (Dan 7:9-10.13-14) charges us to live up to our baptismal commitments by being true heirs of the kingdom under God’s sovereignty. On this mountain, we are challenged to come clean. This mountain is called Mount Zion where the millions of angels gather for the festival in which everyone is a first born son; that mountain is also the mountain of rich food which the scriptures refer to.

3. Making Heaven is a herculean task: If we translate the literal climbing of the mount of transfiguration into a theological reality, we notice that going to heaven is a challenging task as nothing good comes easily – little wonder Jesus uses metaphors such as going through the narrow door and the eye of a needle in reference to making heaven. By making his apostles climb a mountain before his passion, Jesus makes the point that if we must wear the crown, the cross awaits us.   

4. Heaven requires white robes: The transfiguration of Jesus calls us to conquer by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony. It also requires that our robes are white as snow. We are called to live holy lives epitomized by the trangifurating elements.  

Homiletic Quotes to Remember:

1. The transfiguration experience reminds us that heaven and hell are real.

2. Our own mountain of transfiguration is the Church.

3. The voice of the Father is a divine endorsement of Jesus as the legitimate son of God.

4. Moses, the Law Giver and Elijah the Prophet proves that Jesus is the last of the Prophets and perfecter of the Law.

5. Going to heaven is a challenging task as nothing good comes easily.

5. If we want to have the transfiguration experience, we must take the clause, “Listen to him” seriously.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we need divine endorsement as exemplified by the voice of the father: “This is my son, the beloved; he enjoys my favour.” Can God say the same thing of you and myself? The message of Transfiguration Sunday is clear – we are challenged to do God’s bidding. As heirs of the kingdom, we must shun anything that would disgrace the Lord. We must take clause, “Listen to him” seriously. May the Holy Spirit help us in Living a Transfigured Life. Amen!