We are all familiar with the account of the Transfiguration of the Lord, but let us revisit again with a little adaptations.
Jesus went up the mountain with his disciples – Peter, John and James. Suddenly Jesus manifested himself with glory, his face changed and his clothing became dazzling white! And there appeared Moses and Elijah and they were talking to Jesus. It was such a wonderful sight, truly an amazing experience of the glory of the Lord.
Then Peter spoke up, “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” In the original version, Jesus didn’t reply him but he did in this version. And so Jesus replied Peter, “Why do you want to build the three tents for us? Do you plan to stay here for a long time? Is it because it’s a wonderful experience? No, my friend, don’t dwell in this experience; this is not the highpoint of my glory.”
Why did I put those words in Jesus’ mouth? As we fast forward the story in the gospel, when is the next time we see Jesus up on a mountain standing in between two people? Up on Mt Calvary, his death on the cross! This time, instead of his clothing becoming dazzling white, his body was drenched with sweat and blood. This time, his face wasn’t gloriously transfigured; it was violently disfigured! But this is the climax, the culmination of his moment of glory – the sacrificial love of God for all humanity!
And if Peter was there at the crucifixion, what do you think he’d say? “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, and two for the thieves.” Of course not! None of the disciples would like to pitch a tent and dwell in that experience. In fact, most of them were not even there.
Why do I put these 2 events together?
In all 3 synoptic Gospels, the account of the Transfiguration is preceded by Jesus telling us the cost of discipleship: that is to renounce ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. (cf. Lk 9:23) But where should we follow him to? Well, if he asks us to take up our cross, where else can we go? To Calvary of course!
We’re all called to be radical disciples. But discipleship entails the experiences of both the mountain of transfiguration as well as the mountain of crucifixion – and not forgetting the valleys of the ordinary life in between. St Paul says, “We must share his sufferings if we are to share his glory.” (Rom 8:17) ‘Joy’ and ‘suffering’ are actually the same word with different spelling. Just ask a mother who has just given birth and she’ll testify to this reality.
Should any of us feel a bit discouraged and apprehensive at this point, let us also be assured that our walk as disciples does not end on Mt Calvary because our Master did not stop there either. Our faithfulness in going to the crucifixion with him will lead us ultimately to his triumphant Resurrection! And that’s what he promised us: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33)
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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Alphonsus Dominic on 29th Aug 2010.
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