The Transfiguration of the Lord is a pivotal moment in the life of the Jesus, also for the apostles, and for the whole of humanity. In the transfiguration, Jesus is assured of his ministry, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” The apparition of Moses and Elijah affirms and confirms the one continuous salvation history, which reached to its pinnacle in Jesus. The apostles witnessed the conversion of the Old and the New Testament as well as, the eternal reality, as space and time was suspended momentarily. This event prefigures the resurrection in order to encourage the apostles, as they will witness the gruesome and humiliating death of Jesus. Now, the whole of human race can take comfort, knowing that eternal life is God’s promise for all those who listen to his Son Jesus.
Abraham experienced the sublime gift of God in his total trust and fidelity in God’s promise. The profound faith of Abraham in his willingness to sacrifice his only son is a testimony of a soul desiring to dwell with God. Abraham truly understood that God is the author of life; life comes from God and it must return to Him. Although God spared the son of Abraham, God will not spare his Son Jesus, but will hand Him over to be crucified. It was important to save the life of Isaac to continue the descendants of Abraham, but the blood of Jesus was essential to restore the identity of the children of God. The voice of the Father confirms this important mystery of salvation as He pronounced the judgment, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”
The awe experience overwhelmed the apostles that in their ecstasy Peter spoke, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Indeed, the glimpse of eternal reward filled the apostle with joy and happiness beyond description. The eternal reward is the ultimate desire of the rational soul. God does not want to deny it to anybody, but joyfully and unconditionally share it with all His children. Therefore, in prayerful reflection, we have to listen to the melody of our soul, desiring to rise and be with God. The melody of our soul is often overshadowed by faulty worldly desires. It is not surprising; the world always sings its own melody, which contrasts the good, the ultimate good of the rational soul.
During this season of Lent, let us walk with the Lord in prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to Mount Tabor to experience the Transfiguration. Like the apostles, our soul will sing the endless praise of God’s goodness, mercies and forgiveness. We would be encouraged to rise above the ordinary mire of human desires, to always seek the eternal reward. The disciples of Jesus will face the trials and tribulations with faith, hope and charity. The challenge we have at hand is to protect the religious freedom, as we hear the voice, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” The transfigured Lord reminds us that respect and dignity for human life from conception to natural death is paramount to understand and avail the gift of God with humility and faith, like Abraham.