Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain
apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his
clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could
bleach them. Mark 9:2–3
Just six days prior to this glorious event of the Transfiguration,
Jesus spoke for the first time to His disciples about His pending
crucifixion and death. He taught them that “the Son of Man must
suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests,
and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days” (Mark
8:31). Recall that Peter had a difficult time accepting this
teaching. Jesus went on to rebuke Peter for his refusal to accept
this prophetic teaching and further explained that “Whoever wishes
to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow
me” (Mark 8:34). These disciples then had six days to ponder this
prophecy of our Lord before witnessing the Transfiguration.
In your life, is there something that God is trying to say to you
that you have difficulty accepting? If so, it will most likely be
related to God’s call to you to take up your cross and follow Him.
The Cross of Christ comes in many forms throughout life. It might
be experienced when we allow the passion of anger to die so that
pure mercy can be offered to one who has hurt us. Or it might be
that God is calling you to step out in faith to embrace some
endeavor that requires courage and trust. Or it might be that God
is calling you to accept some hardship in life that is difficult to
accept, such as the loss of a loved one, an illness, the loss of a
job or any other difficulty that you struggle to accept with love
and trust. Bitterness, resentment, anger, fear and the like are
often the most difficult crosses we are called to embrace and let
die.
If this resonates with you, then this story of the Transfiguration
is for you. After giving these disciples six days to ponder the
difficult news of His coming Cross, Jesus gives them hope and
inspiration through this sacred encounter. Though it lasted for
only a short time, this manifestation of Jesus’ glory was all that
these disciples needed to begin to accept Jesus’ prediction of His
passion. On one hand, they feared what Jesus said was going to
happen. But on the other hand, they saw His glory and majesty. By
combining these two experiences, these disciples were given a new
hope and strength to trust that whatever was to happen in the
future, God was in control.
We also need the consoling revelation of our Lord’s glory to help
us navigate the difficulties we will endure. For some, life is
good, very good, and they walk with joy and ease with our Lord. But
for others, life has taken a difficult turn and confusion has set
in. If life is good for you right now, then rejoice that you are
currently sharing a taste of the glory of the Transfiguration. Give
thanks to God and tell Him with Saint Peter, “Rabbi, it is good
that we are here!” Give thanks to him for the joy and consolation
you currently experience. But if life is difficult for you right
now, ponder those six days during which the disciples struggled
with the prediction of the Lord’s passion. Think about their
confusion, doubts and fear. As you do, turn your eyes up the
mountain. Know that the glory of God awaits you and that He wants
to free you from all fear and anxiety. The mountain is climbed by a
firm faith that is grounded in prayer. Make that journey with our
Lord through prayer.
Reflect, today, upon this holy mountain to which you are called.
Know that as you climb it with perseverance and determination, hope
and joy will be given to you. Pray for the ability to trust in the
God Who not only died a cruel death but also is radiant in glory
for all eternity. Trust Him, turn to Him and commit to the journey
ahead.
My Transfigured Lord, You revealed Your glory to these disciples
as a way of helping them accept Your Cross. Help me to also embrace
Your Cross in my life and to see clearly the glory that results
from its embrace. I trust in You, dear Lord; help me to trust You
more. Jesus, I trust in You.
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