Transfiguration of Jesus
Scripture Readings: Exodus 34:29–35 & Luke 9:28–36
Both Moses and Jesus go up the mountain to meet with God. Moses encounters God on Mount Sinai, and Jesus is transfigured on the mountain before His disciples. Moses’ face radiates after being with God, reflecting His glory. Jesus’ transfiguration reveals His divine nature. Both transformations demonstrate the power of God’s presence.
The “mountains” in our lives are moments when we step away from the busyness of life to encounter God. These moments may be during personal prayer, worship, retreats, travels, or even in communal worship. Spending time in God’s presence through prayer and Scripture transforms us. Others can see the evidence of God working in our lives through our words, actions, and character.
Transformation is an ongoing process. We are being changed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), becoming more like Christ as we journey through life. Even today, God has given us life and the opportunity to become more like Christ. In our life and faith journey, may we have time or place to encounter God devotedly, away from our daily lives and busy schedules.
In Exodus 33 and 34, Moses prepared to bring God’s word to the people by spending time alone with Him. God spoke to Moses “face to face, as one speaks to a friend,” showing His deep desire for relationship. As mediator, Moses proclaimed God’s covenant, revealing His mercy, grace, patience, and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). After forty days in God’s presence, Moses descended with the tablets of the covenant. His face, unknowingly radiant, reflected God’s glory, leaving the people in awe.
This glow comes from time alone with God and encountering His presence, profoundly shaping the spiritual leader. Moses exemplifies how faithful spiritual leadership flows from intimate communion with God. It entails bringing again the word of God to the people.
In Luke 9, Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus at the Transfiguration, representing the Law and the Prophets. Jesus is the fulfillment of both, pointing to God’s ultimate plan of redemption. Our lives find meaning and purpose when we view them through the lens of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ glory reminds us of His power to bring transformation and hope. In life’s uncertainties, we can trust that God’s plan is being fulfilled, even when we don’t fully understand it.
On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, shining with divine radiance. These moments were not just personal encounters but shaped history and community. God’s voice declared, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!” (v. 35), affirming Jesus’ authority. In the chaos of life, we must pause and listen – through Scripture, prayer, and the world around us.
Listening to God shapes the direction of our faith journey, ensuring we align with His will rather than our own plans. God speaks even in daily life, whether at work, in service, or at home. Just as we set aside time for worship, we can use life’s pauses to confess our faith and express our love for Him.
Spiritual highs do not last forever. However, Mountain-Top experiences prepare us for the valleys. We are called to bring what we’ve experienced and learnt on the mountain into every valley of daily life, where we face challenges and serve others. The faith journey is not only about mountain-top moments but also about faithfully walking through the valleys, trusting God’s presence.
Today’s readings reveal God’s glory – Moses’ radiant face reflects God’s presence, while Jesus’ Transfiguration affirms His divine mission. As disciples, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and shine His light in the world, bringing hope and encouragement to others. May we carry God’s glory wherever we go.
After both Moses and Jesus come down from the mountain, they face challenges- Moses with the rebellion of the Israelites and Jesus as He continues His path toward the cross. These moments were not just personal encounters with God but experiences that shaped history and community.
Like a pilgrimage, our life journeys—whether through foreign lands or personal experiences—offer opportunities for transformation. During my leave in Spain and Portugal, I witnessed faith-filled traditions, stunning churches, and cultural richness, the fruits of devotion and service.
Yet, true beauty is not just in what is built with stone but in what is shaped in the heart. The greatest legacy we leave is one of faith, love, and service. This trip reminds me that “the art of living” is woven into service, faith, and the legacies we leave behind. Jesus embodied this – not in grand cathedrals but in humble acts of healing, teaching, and welcoming all.
The Transfiguration reminds us to see beyond the ordinary and recognize God’s presence. As we return from inspiring journeys, may we embrace the call to live beautifully—not just in appreciating art and culture, but in serving, loving, and leaving a legacy of faith. May our lives reflect the beauty of God’s transforming love.
The faith journey is like a lifelong pilgrimage with moments of spiritual renewal or mountain-top experiences that inspire us to keep moving forward. Just as travellers pack essentials before their journeys, we must equip ourselves with prayer, God’s Word, and faith to sustain us through life’s challenges.
Moses had Joshua, and Jesus had His disciples. In the same way, we need companions on our faith journey – church community, mentors, and friends who encourage us. I am so grateful that we have very good traveling companions with the name of Leighmoor family.
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan. The Transfiguration and Moses’ Mountain encounter remind us that God invites us to meet Him, be transformed by His presence, and carry His glory into the world. Like travellers on a journey, we are called to move forward, trusting in God’s guidance and sharing His light with all we meet along the way.
In the mountain, Jesus turned aside to pray and taught prayer by example. As Messiah, Jesus had to face the cross rather than seek the throne his followers expected. Just as the mountain signifies a high point in our journey, our encounters with Christ will give us perspective, strength, and clarity for what lies ahead.
Lent begins on 5 March, Ash Wednesday. May this be a special journey of faith in our lives as we spend more time in prayer, telling God how great He is, and remembering and giving thanks for the suffering Christ suffered for us and His love.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)