Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.
Luke 9:28-30

Dear friends in Christ,

Today’s Gospel describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, traditionally held to have happened on Mt Tabor, a mountain set by itself in the Lower Galilee. I, along with other St Philippians, family, and friends, visited Mt Tabor just over 2 years ago. Reached by a series of switchbacks, the mountain isn’t as high as one might think, but it is steep, offering gorgeous views of the valley and plains nearby.

I admit I hadn’t really thought much about the Transfiguration story. Our guide told us some information about the site and the story, we went into the beautiful early 20th century Church of the Transfiguration and viewed beautiful mosaics; later, we sang and prayed outside.

Then we left and went to our next stop and I probably didn’t think much more about it. But reading the three versions of this story, captured in Luke, Matthew 17:1-9, and Mark 9:2-13, I saw things in context for really the first time.

This happens shortly after the Confession of Peter that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus’ telling them that he will be killed. Then, a few days later on their way to Jerusalem, he takes his inner circle, Peter, James, and John, to pray with him. The disciples see his face and clothing change, calling back to Moses on Mount Sinai and ahead to his appearance after the resurrection. I had always understood it as reflecting his true appearance as Jesus, the Son of God.

They also see two men, Moses and Elijah, speaking with him. Traditionally, these figures represent the Law and the Prophets, but they are also two figures who were believed to have been taken directly up to the presence of God. And what are they discussing – his departure, otherwise known as his death, which was to happen in Jerusalem.

Once again, Peter may have missed the larger point of this scene, suggesting that they make shelters for all three of the figures. Perhaps he’s hoping to convince Moses and Elijah to stay. Jesus never answers him, but a voice from a cloud tells them that “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Sound familiar? Another reference back, to the baptism of Jesus, and also confirming Peter’s confession. The story ends with the disappearance of Moses and Elijah, and the cloud. The witnesses kept silent about what happened; they continued on the road to Jerusalem.

So what do we do with the Transfiguration? There’s a lot to consider. Was it elaborated on or even made up to add some details about Jesus and to show his relationship with Judaism? Did Mark include it because his Gospel doesn’t have any post-resurrection appearances? Scholars can argue, but what do you think? I’m not settled on any one view, but it reminds me of the need to read scripture carefully and for the details that can lead us to stronger faith and understanding.

Yours in Christ,
Leah

Deacon Leah Sandwell-Weiss