Today’s Gospel is about the transfiguration of Jesus. It is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it signifies the realisation of the disciples that Jesus is truly the Son of God, and secondly, that Jesus will suffer, die and rise from the dead to fulfil God’s divine plan.
In the reading, the disciples are struck by Jesus’ appearance while he is praying on the mountain. His face changes and his clothes turn bright ‘as a flash of lightening’. They witness Jesus in this glorified state which foreshadows his resurrection. They also see Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus, who have come to encourage him about what he must soon endure.
Then God speaks to the disciples as a voice from a cloud. This is a powerful confirmation of God’s sacred, yet profound majesty, affirming Jesus’ ministry and that he is indeed the Chosen One. There is a strong sense of awe on the mountain, although the disciples are fearful and keep the news about what has happened to themselves.
Today’s reading reminds us that God speaks to us all the time. We don’t see Him, but we can hear His voice – if we are willing to listen. In this way, like Jesus and the disciples, we are transformed through our encounter with God.
Yet, it is our quest for a deeper faith that can often challenges us – a human dilemma that Christ overcame through his ultimate sacrifice. Perhaps we hear God’s voice, but do we completely and unreservedly trust in the fulfilment of His plan for us and for all of humanity? Or are we fearful, like the disciples on the mountain?
This is the question we must continually ponder in a world that is full of turmoil and chaos. We can never see the full picture of God’s plan for humanity. Instead, we are asked to trust Him through faith – just as Christ completely trusted in God’s plan.
So, as we go about the week ahead, may be attentive, awake and alert. I pray that we may hear and trust God’s voice and affirm and accept His plan for humanity of which Jesus Christ is the true fulfilment.