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.

Transfigured bodies

 

There is a risk that in focussing so much on the  external reality of the Blessed Sacrament offered in the Holy Mass and reserved for adoration and communion of the sick between masses that we neglect the very real presence of the Eucharistic Jesus in us in the moments, hours and days following Holy Communion. We should receive with the same attitude and expectation that we might have that this could be my last communion. Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew about the transfiguration of the Lord reminds us that death and resurrection are never far even as Jesus’ transfigured being was revealed to his disciples in a moment of profound insight and joy.

Our bodies and souls live in hope, awaiting the glory that faith assures us will one day be ours.