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;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen. - Lk. 9:28b-36
The Transfiguration is one of the key moments in the ministry, yet only three people witness it and they were asleep for most of the experience. It is a mysterious event (Hence why it is one of Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary)that provides more questions than answers.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah are thought to show how the two major prophets of the Old Testament finally meet the Lord incarnate that they had spend their careers preparing the world to accept. We're given a quick overview of their conversation, but no details. Did Moses talk about how it can difficult to lead people who often complain or show no appreciation to anyone? Did Elijah share his views on confronting the sinners who ruled the land? Did Jesus live up to the expectation of these men? It is truly a conversation one wishes they could have been a fly on the wall for!
The bigger topic is the role of Peter, John and James. These three men were the closest friends Jesus had in his ministry. Some could argue that they and Lazaraus were all best friends of Jesus. This is evident, since they also go with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane on the night he is arrested. They also do the exact same thing! They go up the mountain with Jesus and then pass out and sleep while Jesus does all the praying! You would think that after they missed most of the Transfiguration that they learned their lesson to stay awake always in the presence of Christ, because you do not know what great wonders you will miss if your eyes are closed.
At the Transfiguration, Peter is eager to make the most of the situation, once he is awake of course. He offers to build tents for the men to stay in, as if he hoped he would be able to make up for lost time and really get to witness these great men of faith in conversation. Yet, before he can even finish his suggestion, the Lord intervenes. A cloud covers them and a voice says to Peter, John and James: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."
That is the 2nd time God reveals Christ to people openly. First was at the Jordan when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. At that event, Jesus is given his mission and begins his ministry. This time, God gives his disciples their mission. Just as Mary told the staff at the Wedding at Cana, God tells us to "listen to [Jesus]." That was all God wants of us. To listen to his Son and do what he tells us to do. In doing so, we will please the Lord.
In order to truly "listen," we must first open our eyes to the presence of Christ everywhere we go. We can not continue to "sleep" when the Lord calls us. Then we must close our mouths. We are a very social world. Whether it is vocally, online, or through signs and symbols, we like to talk. But in order to successfully hear and see God we need to allow him to do the talking and just listen. No excuses, just honesty. When we do these two things, we open ourselves up to the mission of God and change our hearts and minds for good.
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