Transfiguration of our Lord prepares us for Scandals

 

The weakness of God is really a scandals.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of Transfiguration, Sunday 6th August, 2023
Texts: Daniel 7: 9-10.13-14; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9

                Transfiguration of our Lord prepares us for Scandals

Today is the feast of Transfiguration. The message today is about the meaning of transfiguration to the disciples. It is to prepare the disciples of Jesus for the scandal ahead. Today’s preface says, “that the scandal of the Cross might be removed from the hearts of his disciples”. The event of transfiguration is to implant in the hearts of the disciples the truth of the divinity of Jesus. With the truth of Jesus’ divinity firmly established in them, their faith will stand the scandal of the Cross.  

The appearance of Jesus was consistent with the vision of God. This is clear in today’s first reading: “As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool”. Hence, by transfiguration Jesus revealed His divinity. He revealed that He is God. The presence of Moses and Elijah and the voice of the Father confirmed the truth of the revelation. Moses, Elijah and the Father bore witness that Jesus is God.  

The Witnesses at the Transfiguration

Moses, Elijah and the Father were witnesses to the apostles, that they might have faith in the divinity of Jesus. Scripture says, “Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained” (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1). The three apostles were to be witnesses to the world that Jesus is God. We read the testimony of apostle Peter in today’s second reading. He says, “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 

Apostle Peter reminds us that the story of Transfiguration is not a myth. Myth is a cleverly formulated story meant to teach a truth. Transfiguration is not a phantasy of the Apostles. It was an event that happened in space and time. Apostle Peter adds, “For when he received honour and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” 

Paschal mysteries are scandals

We need the faith in the divinity of Jesus so that we can bear the scandals confronting our faith. Paschal mysteries are scandals, for it is unheard of that God suffers or die. They are scandals because they are not consistent with general knowledge of God. The Greeks could not even bear it. We read about Areopagus thus: “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, ‘We will hear you again about this’” (Acts 17:32).  Peter said, “God forbid it, Lord!” (Mt. 16:22). 

Passion and death are weaknesses and limitations. Apostle Paul often refers to sufferings as weaknesses (2Cor. 11: 21-30). It is hard to accept that God is weak and limited. The weakness of God is really a scandals and yet we witness it in Jesus Christ. He was weak before the soldiers who captured him. He was weak before the council of elders, the chief priest, Pilate and the soldiers who crucified Him (2Cor. 13:4). In the face of suffering and pains we experience this weakness of God. Jesus Himself cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Mt. 27:46). 

Our Experience of Scandals

Some people have experienced the weakness of God and are confused; some even lost their faith. They could not just understand Almighty God in the face of the death of their loved ones! In the face of sickness, they could not understand a loving God! Have you been made to suffer a crime you did not commit? If you have, you would have been confused whether God is just or not. What about children who lost their parents when they needed them most and are now placed under tyrants! Yet we tell you every day that God is Almighty, just, all-knowing and loving.  

Though some of your experiences contradict what we tell you, remember this: that is why you need faith in the divinity of Jesus. Faith helps us to face and accept what we know God to be. James and John were silent and contemplating at the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. I do not know whether Peter’s experience was different but he spoke. Perhaps, because he was impetuous. He said, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Faith makes us move past the scandals.  

It is true that nothing is impossible for God

God shows His power by sharing in the sufferings and pains with us. This is clear in incarnation and paschal mysteries. It is true that nothing is impossible for God. However, it is impossible to take away what He has decided to share with me. We need to accept the scandals confronting our faith to have a healthy faith. The acceptance of this is the beginning of our own transfiguration. Jesus Christ attain glory after the scandal of the Cross. We attain glory by accepting that God is more than the scandals we experience in our lives.  

Prayer 

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke