Peter, James and John now see two more people within this glory of light: Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the
prophets. Both Moses and Elijah had previously heard God’s voice from the top of Mount Sinai/Horeb. So we recognise that what is happening calls for our conscious attention and reflection. These seers help us identify Jesus in relation to God’s plan of salvation. There has been a whole history of expectation of a messiah who would restore the Israelites and bring salvation to the world. In this revelation, the life and person of Jesus take on an increasingly significant
meaning.
Peter, not knowing how to react to this awe-inspiring vision, and wanting to prolong it, offers to build three tents or shelters. The image of
light has recalled for him the Feast of Tabernacles (booths, shelters, tents), a feast of lights and illumination. It commemorates the shelter of the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. This feast in later Jewish history represented God’s final reign in the world and became an early Church symbol of the ongoing joys of heaven (Rev 7:9-10). It looked back at God’s protection, including the present, and also looked forward. Perhaps Peter experienced
this.
Perhaps we canimagine ourselves there with him and recall God’s presence in my past, present and future.
Moses prefigures Jesus in many ways. They both climb the mountain on the seventh day with three companions. Their faces shine with God’s glory, a cloud covers them, and God’s
voice speaks to them from the cloud. The familiar scriptures gives context, understanding and clarity for the disciples, adding meaning to what they are experiencing. Similarly, knowledge through reading and reflecting on scripture and experience of God can help us move forward on our spiritual journey.
Have I found that Scripture, spiritual reading, prayer, and silence are helpful to me in making sense of what God reveals and especially the love that God has for all God has created, in love, and for love? Do I spend time in prayer, connecting with God, each day? What path is opening up for
me?
