During our lives we may have seen the faces of people that shine with what we might term, (as followers of Christ), the radiance of God. A couple at their wedding, a parent at the birth of their child. A young child who has scored a goal or sees their grandparent coming towards them. It is as if the person has a light shining on them, as if their face is lit up.
This strikes me as one way to understand what on earth was going on that day on the mountain, as described in the gospel account for this Sunday.
For this Sunday recalls the mountaintop experience of Peter, James and John. It describes an encounter with Jesus with Moses and Elijah alongside him. The three disciples are led by Jesus where he is transfigured, meaning his face and clothes appeared brightly. There was a sense of awe for the disciples as they encountered Jesus with the figures of Moses and Elijah alongside him.
Today is the last Sunday of Epiphany, and therefore Lent approaches this week, beginning with Ash Wednesday. This occasion, like the feast of the baptism of Jesus, bookends occasions when God speaks, to those gathered but also to us.
Lent itself is perhaps the most important season for followers of Christ. It is a time to reflect on our relationship with God as we recall the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. It culminates in Holy Week as we walk with Jesus through his triumphant journey into Jerusalem, the meal he shared with the disciples, and onto his passion and death before his glorious resurrection at Easter.
We are fortunate to have mountains surrounding where we live. They reminds us of the beauty of God’s creation and when it rains, of the mystery of God. As we recall this mountain top experience of the disciples, may we too be in awe of Jesus, and strengthened in our faith, in order that our lives might be transformed.
Fr Stephen Rowe