As you can see, I didn't give up blogging for Lent. Today, our priest - Father Bill - preached a most excellent homily, drawing a parallel in Jesus' life that struck me as incredible.
Three disciples - Peter, James, and John - join Jesus on Mount Tabor where they experience the Transfiguration of Christ. Here, Jesus is clothed in an all-glowing and majestic white garment that reveals His true identity (God); He is surrounded by two of the most regarded Jewish 'fathers' - Moses and Elijah; and, God conspicuously tells the disciples "This is my beloved Son".
Let's contrast this to what happens soon after they descend and Jesus' suffering begins. His life ends on Mount Calvary. Here, His clothes are stripped away from Him; on the cross, Jesus is now surrounded by two criminals; and, His executioner says "Indeed this man was the Son of God."
Isn't that parallel amazing?! Clearly, I think so!
(Ironically, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, even though he had been with Jesus during the Transfiguration.)
1 comment:
Very interesting parallels!
The Transfiguration is one of those events of Christ's life of which I don't think I fully understand the significance. As you point out, there is definitely an intended connection between this moment of pre-figured glory and the suffering of Christ that is to come shortly afterward. In fact, I think one of the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration actually mentions that Jesus is discussing with Moses and Elijah His "coming exodus (passion & death) in Jerusalem". How do we account for this connection between suffering and future glorification? In my opinion, it is a mystery well-worth pondering.
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