Today’s gospel, in these early weeks of Lent, is a great educator of what it means to be a disciple. Firstly, we see that being a disciple is about our posture of receptivity to the revelations and consolations God provides us.
In the moment where Jesus is transfigured (His robes becoming “white as light”), precisely in this divine moment, Peter’s human heart wants to stay – to remain. How often we can experience this! In a particularly lovely time with friends where the laughter seems unending, I’ve often thought something like Peter; “let us build three tents”, “let us always stay here”, “let things always be this joyful and easy”.
It is good to, as Peter does, acknowledge the wonder and blessings that God provides us on earth. However; we must realise, as Peter soon does, that all consolations, gifted us from above (James 1:17), only point to the final orientation of our souls: Heaven. Somehow, we must be ready to receive the consolations and gifts of God with open hands, rather than grasping. Somehow, we must be willing to see that all joy on this side of Heaven is only a shadow of the eternal joy that God longs to provide us. All the while, as we journey on earth, Jesus remains with us as He remains with the disciples.
Today’s reading also reminds us that discipleship is about intimacy with Christ. The transfiguration highlights both the divinity and humanity of Jesus, calling us into reverence and relationship with Him who is Lord and friend. Jesus lets His disciples see, more intimately than before, more of the true nature of His divinity. Witnessing this transformation of Christ, is, in turn, transforming for the disciples. If we truly welcomed and longed for this intimacy with Jesus, imagine the orientation of our hearts! Intimacy is borne of relationship. Today, perhaps is as a good a day as any other to pause and pray. To ask Jesus for this closeness that the disciples experience in today’s gospel and to ask Him to give you grace on this side of Heaven.