Matthew 17:1-4… “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light.Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.” vss. 2-3
The story of the transfiguration of Jesus sneaks up on us in the gospel of Matthew. Not only is there no hint that it is coming, no mention is made of it once it occurs. It’s almost as though Matthew has misplaced one of the resurrection appearances of Jesus in the middle of his Galilean ministry. But, given Matthew’s high regard for Moses and for Elijah, it’s probably not surprising that they show up in a vision, offering direction and encouragement to Jesus. They were the great heroes of Israel, a law-giver and a prophet, and Jesus is to be their successor. Everything that began with them will find its completion in him.
Traditionally this text has been set aside for the last Sunday of Epiphany, and it fits perfectly as one of the bookends of Lent. Its bright and shiny message is a reminder that the season which focuses on Jesus’ suffering and death will be followed by Easter, a season of light and triumph.
Peter and the other disciples couldn’t stay on the mountaintop. And neither can we. But the transfiguration was for them and for us a kind of foretaste, a reminder that beyond the days in the valley of shadows there will be a new day, a time of triumph when death will be no more. Thought for the Day: What might a foretaste of the resurrection be like?
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