The story (I believe) calls each one of us to examine what mountain we must climb to see God’s glory. You can call the mountain whatever you will – it’s your personal mount to climb. Everyone’s mountain is different; but, to witness God’s glory, we must climb our “mountain”. When we reach the mountaintop, we must stay alert, and have the insight to know that we are at the top. The disciples could have missed Jesus’ transfiguration if they:
- had been too busy taking in the view
- were gloating over their status or talking about those they’d left behind
- wondering about what was on the agenda for tomorrow
- how long were they going to be up on this mountain anyway
- wondering if there would there be time to finish what they had started when Jesus summoned them
- were bickering over who was going to get use the walking stick going down the mountain
- and, asking who’s going to provide the fish for tonight’s supper?
You fill in the blanks. You know what it is that keeps you from seeing God’s glory. Our reading reminds us that Jesus went up the mountain to pray and as he was praying his appearance changed. Prayer changes us too when we move away from telling God how to run the world. Prayer may or may not change the situation, but it most certainly will change us. The only difference between the written word MOM and WOW is our perception! On the mountain Jesus did not change His shape but suddenly the disciples’ perception changed and they were able to see Jesus in a whole way.
So, what causes you to miss the “small miracles”, the “everyday transfigurations” in nature, in yourself, and in each other? We need to thank God when we get to the top of the mountain; but we can hardly stay there. There are more mountains to climb. While you are at the top, if only for an instant, don’t miss the transfiguration.
Jesus did not become “more God” that day on the mountain. I don’t think the change was so much in Jesus, as it was in the disciples. They were ready. They had climbed the mountain. And their eyes were open to witness the miracle of the moment. Transfigurations we sometimes call “miracles” are all around us IF we but have the eyes to see.
- Miracle of God’s graciousness when a person holds a door open for another
- Miracle of God’s loving-care when a chair is vacated to give another a seat
- Miracle of God’s inclusion when we make space at table
- Miracle of God’s mercy when a mistake is not challenged in public
- Miracle of God’s hospitality when an open invitation is extended
- Miracle of God’s steadfastness when day after day we gather for communal exercises
- Miracle of God’s perseverance when we come through tough times – individually and as a community
- Miracle of God’s humility when reconciliation occurs
- Miracle of God’s generosity when we give from our need
- Miracle of God’s compassion when an offer is extended before the other has to ask
- Miracle of God’s humor when it rains on our picnics
- Miracle of God’s artistry in the beauty of nature that surrounds us
- And always, God, thank you for the miracle of tomorrow: the gift of a new sunrise, a new slate, a new beginning.
Make your own litany of miracles. God is already there, is here. Jesus invites us up the mountain and leads the way. We just need to open our eyes to witness the transfiguration.
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB