August 6 - Feast of the Transfiguration

Today we havve celebrated the feast day commemorating the Transfiguration -- when Jesus was revealed to the apostles Peter, James and John in radiant glory and speaking to the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah.
This is an epiphany to the apostles -- a manifestation of who Jesus is in a context that helps them to make the connections between Jesus' and his mission to fulfill the promises of the Hebrew Scriptures. He is connected to The Law, symbolized by the presence of Moses, and to the prophets, symbolized by the presence of Elijah. As though the visual aspect was not enough, it is accompanied by a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved son. Listen to him!"
One can only imagine what this experience was like for Peter, James and John. But there is another aspect of this experience that should not be lost on us in the present day. It takes place at a time set aside for prayer on a secluded mountain top. The Old Testament passage appointed for today similarly tells the story of Moses' encounter with Yahweh while drawn away from the crowds and high upon Mount Horeb. Moses' followers have an experience similar to that of Jesus' disciples -- they see their leader's face transfigured, dazzling in glorious light.
When is the last time that you drew away to a secluded spot for a time of prayer? When is the last time you have stepped back from the day-to-day stuff of life to behold the wonder of God -- God's creation, God's goodness, God's bounty -- God's glory? If you haven't tried it lately, why not go ahead? Afterwards, your friends and colleagues, like those of Moses, may see a glow about you as well! Faithfully in Christ, Don+