Homily for the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6, 2023. Gospel of St. Matthew 17:1-9. Theme: Listen to Him!
The Transfiguration of Jesus was a “game-changing” experience for the three disciples who formed His inner circle - Peter, James the Greater and his brother, John. Up until that day they had only seen Jesus of Nazareth as an ordinary looking Israelite man like them. But on that mountain top they were privileged to catch a glimpse of Jesus in his full identity as Son of God: dazzling, glorious, majestic. They were overwhelmed by brilliant beams of light, coming from within their Lord, that radiated from every fiber of his being, transforming His humanity by revealing His divinity.
And at the same time they heard God the Father's voice proclaiming, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to him." They realized then and there that Jesus was so much more than just a great teacher; so much more than a charismatic personality; so much more than simply a prophet and a healer. The words of the Father confirmed for them that Jesus’ teaching was God’s teaching; that Jesus’ outlook on life was God’s outlook; and that Jesus’ forgiveness was God’s forgiveness. This is why John, who was one of those three disciples on the mountain that day - along with his fellow disciples Matthew, Mark, and Luke - were so careful to preserve in their Gospels the words and actions of Jesus precisely as they and others had recalled and remembered them.
And so, we can say with confidence that the four Gospels which we possess today faithfully hand onto us what Jesus said and did when He lived on planet Earth. This is why the Book of the Gospels is held up high for all to see at Mass; this is why we stand out of respect and in reverence for its reading; and this is why the deacon kisses the Book of the Gospels upon finishing the re-telling of the words and actions of Christ. We cherish and treasure these Gospels because they contain the definitive and trustworthy message of God through Christ leading us to the joyful hope of eternal life.
And the words and actions of Jesus that they record are meant every bit as much for us as they were for those who first heard and witnessed them. This means that what Jesus said to His disciples about how to follow Him is also directed to us. What Jesus said to the Pharisees about placing the needs of the human person above the strict letter of the law is also applicable to us. And most consoling of all is that what Jesus said to sinners, to tax collectors, prostitutes and others who sought spiritual healing and peace of heart is also meant for us! So, when we hear the Gospel we are not just listening to a transcript of what happened in history. No, we are receiving the message of God to us today because what the Father said at the Transfiguration was said for the sake of all people of all time, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to him."
And so the Transfiguration gives us great reason for joyful hope as we look to our individual futures. Because at the resurrection of the dead we, too, shall shine with glory like Christ transfigured. The holiness and radiance of God’s Presence will burst forth from within us. All the limitations we suffered in this life will be gone for good. All the misunderstandings will be left behind. All the burdens of sickness, of aging, of weakening bodies and darkening minds will be gone and behind us as the glory of Christ lies wide open before us. The Transfiguration, then, is another way Jesus assures us that our future is not a grave, but is instead eternal life as long as we are faithful and listen to Him.
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