I don’t go to the movies much anymore, primarily because I don’t qualify for the financing. We are a far cry from the days when my our parents would give us a dollar and we would ride our bikes to the Fireweed Theater to catch a double feature and have money left over for a Big Buddy and a Coke. Ofcourse, some things never change. For example, the posted start time of the movie is never when the film actually starts. One is first indulged with at least a half dozen Previews of Coming Attractions! I like previews because 90% of the time, they contain all the good bits of the movie. This saves me from having to go see it. But sometimes, a good trailer will make me take a greater interest in a film I might not otherwise go see.
That’s essentially what’s going on in today’s gospel when Jesus takes Peter, James and John up Mt. Tabor and is transfigured before them. For some time now, Jesus has been teaching them that he most go to Jerusalem to suffer and die and be raised. They are going to need something to sustain them in their resolve once it actually happens. Fittingly, by showing them a glimpse of his glory, they get a preview of what is to come to strengthen them in the days to come.
The presence of Moses and Elijah is very important. Moses is the great giver of the Law. Elijah is the greatest of the prophets. It was he who was taken up to heaven in the fiery chariot. As the Incarnate Word of God, Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. We don’t know what they were conversing about, but some of the Church Fathers have speculated that perhaps they were comforting Jesus before he heads to Jerusalem.
I like Peter’s reaction. He wants to set up camp and stay there for awhile. Of course, they can’t, but it’s a nice gesture nonetheless.
Finally, the voice of the Father from the cloud who says three things: 1) Jesus is the Son of God, 2) He is well pleased with him, 3) we are to listen to Jesus.
Peter, James and John saw a glimpse of the glory of Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. This was a special grace to them as they continued on their journey of faith.
In our own day, in the age of grace, we too receive what we need to strengthen and give us comfort on our pilgrim journey of faith.
In baptism we are made a new creation, clothed in white and shine with the grace of a thousand suns. We receive the light of Christ, a light which no darkness can extinguish.
In confirmation, we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that we may live out our call to be missionary disciples.
In Eucharist, we receive a foretaste and promise of the heavenly banquet. Food for the journey and strength for the challenges of the week ahead.
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we kneel at the foot of the Cross, receive forgiveness for our sins and are reconciled to Christ and the Body of Christ, the Church.
In the anointing of the sick, when our bodies are weak or threatened, we are strengthened by the prayers of the Church and the forgiveness of our sins, especially as we approach the end of life and cross the threshold of hope in to the life to come.
In Holy Matrimony, in the chaste love of husband and wife, we see a living example of the faithfulness of God. As the couple gives themselves to each other body and soul, we get just a glimpse of how Christ lays down his life for us in a new covenant of grace.
In Holy Orders, in the person of the ordained minister, we see that authority in the Church is exercised first as diaconal service, and at the hands of the priest and bishop we receive the means of grace through the sacraments of the Church.
Each of the sacraments of the Church, especially our Eucharist today, is a little glimpse, a foretaste and promise, a preview of coming attractions of the glory that is to be ours at the end of the age when we shall become like Christ himself.
What a marvelous thing it will be when at the end of this life we stand before God the Father and all the heavenly host and we hear a voice proclaim, not from a cloud but from the very mouth of God:
“This is my beloved son
This is my beloved daughter
With whom I am well pleased.”