SUNDAY BEFORE LENT 02 03 25
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Exodus 34.29-end
NEW TESTAMENT READING: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
GOSPEL READING: Luke 9.28-43
Appearance is very special in our lives. We appear differently at different times. When we go to work we appear in a particular way, when we have to go to a party we appear different, when we have to attend a wedding we take lot of effort and prepare the way we are going to appear. That is about the dress we wear.
Our whole body and our face appears in a particular way according to what we are experiencing in our body or our mind. The face specially reflects that is going on inside. It is like a mirror. Looking at ones face we can say if the person is sad or happy or angry or sulky. Sometimes people pretend to be happy while they may be really sad.
Moses had an amazing experience as he had spend many days in prayer. He was very unique, God used to talk to Moses as a friend. After days of prayer when he came out to see the people his face was so bright that people were not able to see his face and he had to cover his face with a veil. Prayer changed his appearance
Mount Tabor is in the central part of the region of Galilee. Jesus had based himself in the region of Galilee. Jesus had the practice of spending time in prayer. Sometimes by himself and there were times when he took a small group of his disciples to be with him as he prayed.
Here is an occasion we just read about, Jesus had gone up a mountain to pray, it is believed that it was mount Tabor in Galilee. Jesus was praying and after a tiring journey climbing the mountain, the disciples of Jesus, Peter, James and John are half asleep. To their amazement they saw Jesus transfigured. They have seen him moving about as an ordinary man, now as he was praying his appearance changed so drastically that Luke writes, ‘the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.’ Matthew says that his face was like the sun.
It was a tremendous occasion as the heavenly glory was revealed. The disciples see two great leaders of ancient Israel, Moses and Elijah they were sent to discuss with Jesus. Jesus was transfigured to a glorious appearance but they were discussing about the way Jesus is going to be disfigured on the cross of calvary. That is the plan the transfigured Christ is going to be disfigured, the heavenly Jesus has come into the world to empty himself of all glory an power and experience the atrocities of an evil world.
It was an amazing mountain top experience. Peter wanted to be with the transfigured Christ and with Moses and Elijah. In his ignorance Peter said lets make three tents one for Jesus and one for Elijah and one for Moses.
Jesus comes down the mountain to face the harsh realities of life. He is the glorious son of God and heavenly glory is on him he comes down the mount of transfiguration to meet people with great difficulties and to face the cross of calvary where he is going to be tortured and disfigured and die and on the third day rise again to be the Lord of Glory in our lives.