There is an interesting contrast between our First Reading from Daniel and our Gospel Reading from Matthew. The Gospel Reading from Matthew, takes it for granted that we understand that the entire event centers on Jesus.
Simply put, the Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus offers the human Jesus as the visible image of God.
The Transfiguration of Jesus was no doubt an experience that was out of this world. But the message of Jesus was not what happened on that holy mountain. Rather, Jesus, after all that happens, says to Peter, James and John, it is time to go down from the mountain. \ It is time to return to my ordinary way of revealing who God is.
For sure the Disciples needed time to understand what happened on that mountain, but they also needed time to understand that Jesus was the image of God and that they were called to be the same.
As one Russian Orthodox prelate shared over 100 years ago about this Feast of the Transfiguration: “The goal of the Lord’s revelation was to persuade his followers that they too are to SHINE with the beauty of God’s love.”
Who are the people around us who have been transformed, changed. Who have listened and continue to listen to the voice of God.
Who are the people around us who share through their person and goodness and kindness each day, the beauty of God’s love.
May we listen to them; learn from them; live as they live. “People who have learned to live as God’s beloved and are empowered to love as we are loved.”
May our sharing in the sacrament of life and love, the Eucharist today and every week, open us up to becoming and being God’s beloved today and every day.
May our lives SHINE with the beauty of God’s love!