In what way did Jesus look different when transfigured: “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as dazzling light”? What
was the purpose of this? What did God want to show Peter, James and John then, the disciples through the ages, and us now as we reflect on it? Jesus becomes a being of light. He unveils his glory, later manifested in his resurrection. Light is significant here. Remember that God created light, and Jesus describes himself as the light of the world. Light symbolises holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom and God’s revelation. How do you think Peter, James and John felt when they saw this vision?
How do you feel seeing this in your imagination now?
This vision allowed greater insight into the person and role of Jesus. God repeatedly presents us with
the fulfilment of what has been prophesied so that we may more readily believe. For example, the promise of someone to come and details about the Messiah are recorded in Daniel’s visions or Isaiah’s prophecies. Or God, through a prophet, may build on something recognised as familiar, adding further insight. God speaks to us through the Old Testament. We may also receive a spiritual message through an external manifestation to aid our belief. God speaks to us through our senses, intellect, and
emotions.
Here we are assured that Jesus is the Son of God, the expected Messiah. However, the disciples see Jesus quite differently, more in perspective,
more honestly. They see Jesus both in his humanity and in his divinity. They see Jesus as he changes from his humanity in Jesus to his divinity in Christ. Will I be more introspective and slow down enough to allow myself to see and receive God more clearly, too? We now know that Jesus Christ is risen. Jesus wants to show himself to us directly through our families, children, nature, communities, imagination, art, sounds, silence, smells, tastes and dreams.
Will I open my eyes to see the light? What are the usual ways in which I encounter God? In what ways can I
develop? What is God revealing for me now?
