Introduction: Transfiguration; A Shot of Hope

Each year on the Second Sunday of Lent, we read a Gospel account of the scene of Jesus’ glorious transfiguration. All the synoptic writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke) report this famous story – but all from a different theological perspective. As in previous Sunday readings, Mathew connects the portrait of Jesus as a new leader: the New Moses.

The question of Jesus’ identity and what that means continues to look large in this episode. In the previous chapter of Matthew (chapter 16), Jesus teaches that he must suffer and die and then be raised up. But the transfiguration scene assures the reader (the Early Church) that his shocking death will lead to new life, and not rejection by God. In short, the transfiguration is a shot of hope for the Early church (and us) that life is divine, not absurd.

What precisely gives you hope in a broken world?

Contemporary Scriptural commentaries flesh out the theological implications of this amazing scene:

“The brilliance of his face and clothing indicates his righteousness. The voice from heaven reaffirms the message heard at Jesus’ baptism: he is God’s beloved one. The instruction, “Listen to him,” echoes Deuteronomy 18:15 and insists that Jesus is the correct interpreter of the Law and the Prophets, signified by the figures of Moses and Elijah.”

“Matthew further highlights Jesus as the New Moses with details on the mountain: Jesus’ shining face like that of Moses after his encounter with God on Mount Sinai; the overshadowing clous like that which signaled God’s presence with Israel on their journey to freedom.”-New Collegeville Commentary.

Although the scene strongly centers on Jesus’ transfiguration, the story theme is really discipleship. The disciples are to listen to Jesus and recognize his special status as God’s Son – which they do not yet fully comprehend.

Can we ever fully comprehend who Jesus really is?

I would invite you to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9.

What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Any surprises as you read this passage?

Further Questions and Reflections:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Do you see yourself as blessed?

“And he was transformed before them.” How has God’s grace transformed your life?

“When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.” Do you hear the affirming voice of God, or an angry voice? Why?

During Lent, we relive the disciples’ experiences. We walk the path to crucifixion and remember the life-changing transformative power of the resurrection. What does this mean to you? How will you walk this path during this Lenten season?

Reflective Exercise:

Place yourself at the transfiguration scene. Be aware of your feelings. Your thoughts. Your questions. What would you say to Jesus?


Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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