And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. —Matthew 17:2
The account of the Transfiguration of our Lord is read before Lent begins in some church traditions and in the midst of Lent in others. The event involves Jesus going up to a mountain and his face shining like the sun with the glory of God. It is a bright spot in a season of darkness. Why does the Church include it? It highlights quite brilliantly what is just beneath the surface: Jesus is fully God as well as fully man. His divine nature is revealed in Scripture for a short time in this way to remind us of what is happening in Lent: God is being glorified in the suffering and death of Christ, even if it is not readily visible in these very human and horrific events.
Each Sunday during the Benediction, a mini-Transfiguration is spoken over us in these words: The Lord make his face shine upon you. We get a glimpse of the glory of Christ in that moment every week. Never forget what is just below the surface in the life of Jesus as we walk in his footsteps toward the cross: Glory shines within him.
Thank you, Mark, for this! I’m printing this out to carry with me (literally and in my heart) through this Lenten season. Such a tremendous reminder!
Thank you so much, Martha. Glad it resonated with you. Mark