In his homily on Sunday, Father Jose Mesa pointed out that the Transfiguration of Jesus prepares us less for the Crucifixion than it does for the Resurrection. In both Matthew and Mark we read that Jesus cautions Peter, James, and John, who were witnesses to this manifestation of Jesus’ glory, not to tell anyone about it “until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9).
Father Jose went on to say that in many ways the Resurrection is harder to deal with than the Crucifixion. I nodded. Yes, I do believe that is true. Everyone has some experience of suffering. And if as yet we have had no experience of death, we eventually will.
But resurrection? The victory of life over death? The definitive triumph of goodness? A radiance that will fill, not only Jesus, but us as well? How do we deal with this? How do we even begin to describe it? In the remarkable 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Saint Paul tries his best to tell us something of what the resurrection of the dead will be like, but ends up making it sound marvelously and totally incomprehensible.
When in the Presence of Mystery…
Faced with the dazzling glory of Jesus transfigured, Peter, who tends to rush in where angels fear to tread, says, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5).
Whereupon the disciples hear a voice from the cloud.
What do they hear? Not “Nice idea, Peter,” or even “Let’s sit down and discuss what you are experiencing.” No, all three synoptic gospels record that the voice says something to the effect of “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!”
Or to be blunt, “Be quiet and pay attention to Jesus!”
What is the proper response when in the presence of great mystery — whether we happen to be Peter the first pope, Benedict the current pope, or an ordinary person such as I am (and probably such you are, too)?
Stop talking and listen! Pay attention! The time will come to proclaim the good news (for the Mystery of God is always good news). But not yet. Now is the time for listening.
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The following is Peter’s account. Notice that he conveniently leaves out the part that suggests he was talking too much.
…we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:16-19
This reading reminds me to be still and sit quietly in the presence of the Lord. I avoid this , but I need this. I forget Christ is with me always. It is time for me to be still and be conscious of His presence.
Thank you for this journal.