Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9
Lent has been described in many ways: a season of renewal, a season of grace, an opportunity to unite with Jesus during His Passion and Death, a period of reflection and transformation, and a journey with Jesus. I think of this sacred time as all the above.
In our Gospel reading, we see that three of Jesus’ disciples had the opportunity to participate in a very special moment – His Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. This event was meant to be a reassurance for the disciples in advance of Jesus’ Passion and Death. They saw Jesus for the person He really was – the Son of God in all His glory. What a magnificent grace!
I have read this passage literally hundreds of times, but I had a different insight into why this opportunity to witness Jesus’ glory was given only to a select few of the disciples. Peter, James, and John had been present at other miracles, including the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. They were the Lord’s closest friends. For these disciples, witnessing Jesus’ Transfiguration was not only a grace but also a responsibility. In the days ahead, when many would lose faith in Jesus, they would be able to encourage and support Jesus’ other followers and ultimately proclaim the Resurrection. This experience wasn’t for their encouragement alone.
Although we would all like to pitch tents and stay on Tabor for a while, we cannot remain on the mountain for too long. Like the three disciples, we need to trek down, for we are meant to encourage and support others on their Lenten journey. Mountaintop experiences are meant to prepare us to serve God through others in a broken world. We don’t do it alone. Jesus joins forces with us. Suffering in this world ultimately will give way to heavenly hope. His Beauty will transform us. That is the message of Tabor.
