Jesus casually invited three of us on a hike one warm, sunny day. I think Peter, James, and I are probably his closest buddies. Can you imagine what it felt like to be Jesus’ best friend?
The hike turned out to be a steep one, but we were happy to go along. Wherever Jesus was headed, we were willing to follow.
But we never expected the Transfiguration. When I got up that morning, I never expected to be seeing Moses that afternoon. I was stunned.
What did it feel like to see Elijah talking to Jesus about Jesus’ exodus? Exodus? Why did he use that word?
It would take me a long time to process that unexpected encounter.
And Jesus didn’t want us chattering about this experience, so Peter, James, and I would whisper about it occasionally.
“Remember his clothes? They were so white it was blinding.”
“What did it mean that God spoke from a cloud?”
“Did you feel the ground shake, or did I imagine that?”
“I wonder what they were talking about. I couldn’t make out the words.”
“I think there was some connection between that mountain and Mount Horeb.”
After the Resurrection, we would tell the story of the Transfiguration again and again. And I am sure that others benefit from this retelling. That’s how it is when you have an unexpected encounter with God; it must be remembered and shared for the benefit of others.
Continue reflecting on the Transfiguration of Jesus with Arts & Faith: Lent.
Image: Francesco Zuccarelli, “Landscape with the Transfiguration of Christ.”