The Apostolic Lady: It is Good That We are Here

Altar, Church of the Transfiguration
Mount Tabor

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”

Matthew 17: 1-5

The Gospel of the Transfiguration of the Lord puts before our eyes the glory of Christ, which anticipates the resurrection and announces the divinization of man. The Christian community becomes aware that Jesus leads it, like the Apostles Peter, James and John “up a high mountain by themselves” (Matthew 17: 1), to receive once again in Christ, as sons and daughters in the Son, the gift of the Grace of God: “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor. Listen to him” (Matthew 17: 5). It is the invitation to take a distance from the noisiness of everyday life in order to immerse oneself in God’s presence. He desires to hand down to us, each day, a Word that penetrates the depths of our spirit, where we discern good from evil (cf. Hebrews 4:12), reinforcing our will to follow the Lord.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Message for Lent 2011

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/lent/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101104_lent-2011_en.html

We, pilgrims on earth, are granted to rejoice in the company of the transfigured Lord when we immerse ourselves in the things of above through prayer and the celebration of the divine mysteries. But, like the disciples, we too must descend from Tabor into daily life where human events challenge our faith. On the mountain we saw; on the paths of life we are asked tirelessly to proclaim the Gospel which illuminates the steps of believers.

His Holiness Pope John Paul II

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord
6 August 1999

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/1999/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19990806_trasfigurazione-signore_en.html

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor is the traditional location of the Transfiguration of our Lord. It is the highest mountain in lower Galilee, rising more than 1,800 feet above the surrounding plain. While the heartiest of pilgrims walk from a Bedouin village to the summit, most of us have made the journey riding in the comfort of a van. Our driver, Hagop (“Jack”), once counted twenty-six (26) switchbacks on the narrow road. The hairpin turns, though navigated slowly, cause various reactions from passengers, including: spontaneous prayers for safety; gasps of panic from overlooking the sheer edge; groaning in fear of heights (before closing one’s eyes); as well as awe and amazement at the beautiful view. The panorama is magnificent on a sunny, clear day as well as on a windy day when thunder, lightning and big, fat raindrops fall from the sky. It quickly becomes apparent: Jesus did not lead Peter, James and John on a relaxing stroll, but rather, He led them traversing a rock-strewn, steep mountain.

We can only imagine what the disciples were thinking or saying on their journey with Jesus up the high mountain. Perhaps, “Are we there yet?!” Jesus leads us in ways that are sometimes unexpected, challenging, and even painful. When we follow and listen to God’s beloved Son, we are transformed by the gift of His peace.

It is not easy going up nor coming down from a mountaintop experience with the Lord. However, Jesus gives us the necessary graces for the plain of our daily lives so that we may be faithful witnesses. “Lord, it is good that we are here.”