The Transfiguration of Jesus

Homily for the Feast of the Transfiguration

Today we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in each of the synoptic Gospels written by Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke. While the basic narrative remains the same in each of these Gospels, the individual authors convey certain nuances that reflect the theological and literary aims of the respective evangelist.

St. Matthew concentrates his narrative on the glory of the transfigured Christ. Both his face and his clothes are radiant white, reminiscent of the face of Moses when he came down from the mountain after his conversation with God. In this Gospel, the disciples fall down prostrate in worship.

St. Mark concentrates on the details of the Transfiguration, remarking that his clothes were “whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.” Peter suggested that they build several shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. His narrative highlights the mystery and awe surrounding the identity of Jesus.

St. Luke’s Gospel, which we read today, tells us that this event happened as Jesus went up the mountain to pray. It is during his prayer that Jesus’ face is transfigured and his clothing becomes radiantly white. It is only in the Gospel of Saint Luke that we learn of the conversation between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, for Saint Luke mentions that they spoke to Jesus about his “exodus” or departure from this earth linking this episode to his coming passion. In this Gospel, the apostles are sleepy, but they are fully awake to witness the Transfiguration. St. Luke’s focus is upon the Transfiguration as God’s response to the prayer of Jesus and God’s plan of salvation.

In each of the three accounts, the manifestation of God’s presence is symbolized by a cloud. From the cloud, the apostles hear the voice of God tell them that Jesus is his beloved son and someone to whom they should listen. Saint Luke is the only evangelist to mention that the apostles were afraid or scared by the cloud. It is a moment when heaven touches earth visibly, audibly, and unmistakably. The cloud also links this episode with the Hebrew Scriptures in which God’s presence is symbolized by a cloud that stands at the meeting tent. In short, the cloud is a theological powerhouse: it reveals, affirms, connects, and anticipates. It’s God’s way of saying, “Pay attention—this is holy ground.”

The word “Transfiguration” is used instead of “Transformation” in the Gospel accounts because it conveys something far deeper than just a change in appearance. While the word transformation speaks of a change in form, structure, and character, the word Transfiguration implies a revelation of true, divine glory and signals the true identity of Jesus. Remember that the identity of Jesus is a question that runs throughout the synoptic Gospels. The Transfiguration is a revelation, not an alteration. It has a spiritual significance because Jesus is elevated and glorified through this event. Many commentators have mentioned that it is through the Transfiguration that the apostles come to realize not only who Jesus is but also who Jesus will be after the resurrection. The person of Jesus is unveiled through the Transfiguration. The Gospel writers want to make sure that we understand that this is a rare, specific, formal, mystical, and spiritual experience.

To truly appreciate this episode in the life of Jesus, one would do well to spend some time in quiet prayer, perhaps placing ourselves upon the mountaintop with the three apostles, to ask ourselves how we react to our knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, someone to whom we should be listening.