It is good to be here

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo, Ireland

The story of the Transfiguration, celebrated today throughout the Church, is one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospel. It contains surprise, excitement, fear, bewilderment, joy and even a warning. The scene is steeped in Old Testament imagery, with Moses, the Law-giver, and Elijah, the great prophet, appearing beside the promised Messiah, Jesus.

Peter, overwhelmed by the experience, immediately offers to build three tents, or ‘tabernacles’, as dwelling places for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Like many of us, he wants to hold on to a moment of light and joy, to keep it safe and permanent. Yet God's purpose is not that we remain fixed in one moment. The disciples must come down from the mountain and continue the journey.

In a sense, this is what we do at every Mass. In the Liturgy of the Word, we hear the Father's voice: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.’ Moses, Elijah and all the prophets point towards Jesus, the fulfilment of God's plan.

Luke's account of the Transfiguration includes an important detail. Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about the ‘departure’ or ‘exodus’ that he is to accomplish in Jerusalem (Lk 9:31). The glory revealed on the mountain is therefore linked directly to the Passover of the Lord, his passage through suffering, death and resurrection, which we proclaim in every Eucharist. The transfiguration is not an escape from the cross; it is a revelation of the glory already present in Christ.

We all face challenges from time to time: illness, loss, ageing, anxiety and the many uncertainties of the future. The Eucharist is both a high place and a resting place on the journey, a moment of vision and consolation. In the breaking of bread, we catch a glimpse of Christ's glory even as we continue to walk through the burdens and uncertainties of life. Nourished by this heavenly food, we are strengthened for the road ahead. We are divinised in the Eucharist; in this way we shared in God’s glory even now.

God knows that we need such moments. Like the disciples on the mountain, we are given glimpses of divine glory, not so that we may stay there, but so that we may continue our journey with renewed faith, hope and courage.