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Every year on August 6, the church celebrates one of the most dramatic moments in the gospel, when Jesus' first followers are given a glimpse of his heavenly glory. Peter, James, and John have climbed a high mountain with their Master, when he is suddenly transfigured before their eyes. His face and clothing blaze with light; Moses and Elijah appear and begin speaking with him; and the Father's voice rings out a message of love and a command to listen (Matthew 17:1-9).
This mountaintop experience is meant to strengthen the disciples’ faith in Jesus, who goes on to warn them that he is about to suffer and die a horrible death (Matthew 17:12,22-23). It can strengthen our faith as well, especially when we face challenges that threaten to undermine our trust in Jesus and his promises to us.
The Feast of the Transfiguration is meant to encourage us to have great hope both about ourselves and our destiny in Christ. Especially during those times when we can especially feel our “outer nature” wasting away, this feast can assure us that we are being inwardly renewed and prepared for a “weight of glory beyond all measure” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). And not only that: The transfiguration promises us that when Jesus returns, he will usher in “a new heaven and a new earth”…
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