The church uses the transfiguration narrative during Lent for a purpose. It is about the theophany, God’s manifestation in Christ Jesus, and God’s invitation to a deeper relationship with him.
The prelude to Peter’s expression brings out the lessons as distinctly highlighted by Luke:
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here."
In this encounter, the disciples experience a foretaste of our “citizenship is in heaven” which Paul captures in the second reading. The Old Testament figures recount the messianic fulfillment. The disciples behold his glory. This is ecstatic.
Jesus’ resurrected state is prefigured, leading Peter to exclaim, “Master, it is good to be here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter’s expression also challenges us on the need to build healthy Christian communities where members feel cherished and supported by the love of Christ. A healthy Christian community should elicit feelings of amazement as seen in Peter, “It is good to be here.” A Christ-centered community, one that is established on the joy of the Eucharist will convey the transfiguration joy. It feels good to encounter Jesus.
The voice of the Father in the transfiguration episode reminds us that Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). It reinforces Christ’s mission to bring humanity into the love of the Trinity. This mission already started at his baptism (Matt. 3:16-17). The Voice of the Father constantly invites believers to listen to Jesus, a reminder that Christ restores humanity to the divine love of the Trinity.
Peter’s expression equally reveals divine beauty. Pope Paul VI once said to his audience, "Christ is beauty, human and divine beauty, the beauty of reality, of truth, of life."1 This beauty encapsulates our encounter in the Blessed Eucharist and should warrant similar expressions from us, “Master, it feels great to be with you.” No wonder Pope John Paul II described the Mass as "Heaven on Earth," explaining that what "we celebrate on Earth is a mysterious participation in the heavenly liturgy."2
Peter sums up the beauty and joy of knowing Christ for believers. There definitely could not have been a better feeling. This is what God brings into our lives. David relishes this experience in the Psalms, “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else” (Ps. 84:10). The question for us in this time is whether, as believers, we can discover a deep abiding relationship with God that produces an ecstasy. Are you able to experience God in such a depth that makes you want to stay in his presence forever? Are you always rushing out and wanting to leave for something else?
A young lady goes shopping in a nearby grocery store. She walks through the shelves picking up items on her shopping list. Suddenly, she pushes down a stack of glasses (cups) on the shelf and the glasses smash on the floor. The lady is scared at the cost of the damage. As she bends down to pick up the glasses in tears, a store attendant comes around. The lady is in a panic and expects to be charged for her damage. But the attendant says to her, “We got you covered. The insurance paid for it.” The lady can’t believe it. She cannot hold her joy. She pledges to stay with that shop for the rest of her life. The beauty of worship transforms our daily encounters. No matter how ugly things may seem, Christ’s presence conquers our fears, anxieties, pains, sorrows, loss, and disappointment. The Lord Jesus has paid the price for our sins in full.
During the period of Lent, the Church speaks to us about the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord. Jesus has paid the price of our sins in full. Christians are particularly reminded of the invitation to be with Christ. Using the poor analogy of the grocery attendant, God is standing right behind you. You only need to step aside from the noise and the crash depicting brokenness and lack of inner peace. The closer you get to him, the more you experience his comforting presence.
The transfiguration experience speaks to that personal encounter with Jesus. Can you hear his voice? Can you behold his face in the Eucharist? Can you feel his joy in the sacraments? Let’s get into the chapel, and like Peter, James, and John, spend more time with Jesus on the mountain. With David, we will always declare, “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants, but let them not turn to folly” (Ps. 85:8).
Yes, indeed, it feels good to be here!
Readings: 1st- Gen. 15:5-12. 17-18; 2nd- Phil. 3:17-4:1; Gospel- Lk. 9:28b-36
1. General Audience, 13 January 1971; L'Osservatore Romano English edition, 21 January 1971, p. 12).
2. Scott Hann, 1999, The lamb's supper: The Mass as heaven on Earth.
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