What does it mean to be transfigured? The definition I looked up said it is to be transformed in a glorified or spiritual way. To take on a new appearance that reflects divine or spiritual beauty. For most of my life, I assumed that this was something that was reserved for Jesus alone, just as we hear about in today’s Gospel. Yet as I have gotten older and been able to witness what are sometimes truly amazing changes within people I have encountered, I am not so sure my original assumption was completely correct if we take the definition literally. While we may not radiate the same glorified form as our Lord – amazing transformation that can be witnessed by others is still possible.
It’s true that we all go through changes as we live our lives, and not all of them for the better. We can even make some progress in our development as people, and as followers of Christ, that while good, are not quite on the level of what would be considered a transformative. Yet, in a precious minority of instances, radical transformation can occur. When I think of Saint Francis of Assisi, or Saint Augustine, and how each spent their youth I see evidence for this kind of change. To go from truly dark places in life, completely focused on things of this earth, and to then burst forth as new creations born of Spirit so that flesh and earthly desires are no longer of much importance is such a complete metamorphosis that it requires grace as its catalyst.
No saint or sinner can will this to happen, no internal fortitude or strength is sufficient to trigger this kind of transformation; if we think we are so endowed that we can do this without God’s intervention, we are arrogant to the point of foolishness. Instead, we need to humble ourselves profoundly and completely, and express our deepest longing to God to grant us spiritual movement to leverage the side of ourselves born of water and the Spirit and take us beyond what our fleshly inclinations so desperately and erringly cling to. In this season of Lent, the time is perfect to pursue this grace of transformation. To use this time of penance and preparation to express a desire to God for the kind of spiritual radiance that can demonstrate to others what is possible through prayer, love of God, and generously granted grace that we embrace with our whole selves.
When Peter, James, and John saw our Lord in his radiant transfigured form, we hear that their first reaction was fear, and perhaps so, since they had never witnessed anything like this before. I suspect this was coupled also with awe and wonder. To see the glory of God so closely and personally manifest within their teacher had to be both humbling, but also inspiring. They gained strength and confidence from this for the time to come when they would witness Jesus’ crucifixion. Our Lord knew this experience and seed of change within them would be needed.
Like any good students Jesus’ three disciples sought to emulate their master in all things, perhaps even those heaven born. We too should look upon this time of Lent as transformative and pray for the grace of experiencing this in a truly radical way.
The Deacons Bench 