Mt 17:1-9
1Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,: “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
His face shone like the sun. What makes your eyes sparkle and your face shine? Jesus has this wonderfully amazing experience, and everything about him dazzles. Burdened with the thought of his impending passion and death, Jesus goes up the mountain and gets inspiration: the prophets of old support him, his Father affirms him, and his friends accompany him. If this does not make your hopes rise and your spirit burst, I do not know what will.
I once went home depressed and tired. I was met by my aunt who praised my looks, expressed her love for me, and said she missed me, for she had not seen me in a long time. It was enough to brighten my damp spirits. How many times have we felt enlightened by the word of God or inspired by his Spirit and pushed to walk on with faith? We are often lifted up by friends who encourage us on. There are times when we feel God is all we have, and this is more than enough for us to go on.
Transfiguration is not only about clothes shining. It is about hope rising, courage emerging, and love lifting us up.