High-tech Special Effects

~~~ Feast of the Transfiguration ~~~

 

~~Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14~~Psalm 97~~2 Peter 1:16-19~~Luke 9:28b-36~~ 

 

The recent readings from the book of Exodus has set the stage

 for the transfiguration of Jesus.

 

Jesus goes up to the mountain to pray.

 

While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.

 

As we know Moses had a similar experience when in the presence of God.

His face was also changed.

 

What, if any, does the outward appearance tell us about

what might be happening inside?

 

In both the case of Moses and with Jesus their appearance is caused by God.

They were not wearing makeup...it was not some fancy special effects.

Unless you consider this God's special effects.

 

God does not hesitate to dazzle us...it comes naturally for him.

 

Another parallel with Moses is the cloud.

For Moses the cloud represented the God's presence.

During the transfiguration the cloud came over Peter, James, and John too.

 

This cloud cast a shadow over them...it enveloped them

 and they were struck with fear.

For they knew that in the time of Moses,

 the people did not enter into the tent

when the cloud of God appeared over the tent.

 

To increase their fear even more they heard a voice coming from the cloud...

"This is my chosen Son; listen to him."

 

When you see and hear something frightening at the same time

the whole experience is more intense.

Think about the last time you went to see a scary movie.

Even in the safety of your own home the unexpected can startle you...

even causing you to jump.

 

Of course the transfiguration was not meant to frighten the three friends of Jesus'

but it most likely did any way.

 

 

The transfiguration was not a magic act of illusion.

It was not orchestrated with smoke and mirrors...

but God himself.

God has the best high-tech special effects.

He could no longer keep his son shielded from his true self.

The human person they were familiar with was not really who Jesus was.

His true nature is dazzling.

 

Even the prophet Daniel speaks of seeing the Ancient One

in clothing bright as snow.

 

Clouds, fire, glory, majesty...

altogether God is waiting until that day

when he will reveal his true identity to you. 

 

The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

One day we too will be an eyewitness to the dazzling,

 magnificence of God.

 

God plans to dazzle us with his blessings.