MY SON, THE CHOSEN ONE

Christ is the Lord of glory as we hear in today's Gospel of the Transfiguration. At first sight it seems strange to hear this account in Lent, the season of austerity, and preparation for Holy Week. Yet we must understand that it is an event which

takes place on the way up to Jerusalem, and that it clearly looks forward to all that will happen to Our Lord there.

     We are told that our Lord appeared to be shining with a brilliant light, like the sun. St. Peter, who witnesses this wonderful event, is overcome with awe, and does not know what to say, yet he finds himself saying, "Lord it is good for us to be here!" He wants to remain in this state of ecstasy, and continue to enjoy it, by offering to put up three tents for Our Lord, and for Moses and Elijah.

     Though struck with fear, the Apostles recognise that their Master is being revealed to them as no ordinary man, but as God Who has become man, and has usually kept veiled, but not lost, His glory. But the greatest words of this revelation are truly extraordinary. For it is only the second occasion in the Gospels that the voice of God the Father is heard, pointing out "My Son, the Chosen One."

     Christ, therefore, is shown to be beyond doubt the Son of God in a unique way. But He is also pointed out as our Teacher when God's voice continues: "Listen to Him!"

     Finally, after the end of this brilliant glory, Our Lord Himself speaks to the three Apostles about it, saying, 'Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.' This vision has been for them alone to know about, until after His resurrection. Then they will be able to understand it and preach it as showing that Christ is God before, and even in, His death on the cross.                        

~ Fr. Paul Dobson