February 24: Transfiguration
♫ Music:
Tuesday, February 24
Scripture: Mark 9:2-8
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
Transfiguration
By Audrey Haick
It was a day like any other
their weary feet bathed in dust, dirt
a burst of light in the sky
Lord, Elijah, Moses
captured radiance
Peter awestruck
heart’s ablaze
Faith sealed
Light
Soak in Sufjan Stevens’ musical interpretation, gaze at the evocative icon, reflect on Audrey’s poem and Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration. Put yourself in the shoes of Peter and take it all in as best you can. Remind yourself that just as God was present in this scene, He is present with you right now. Be present with Him as well. And as you meditate, remember the previous chapter as it sets the context for this story.
This is my Son…
In Matthew 16:13-19, Simon finally puts two and two together: Jesus was not just another prophet, but the actual Messiah that the Scriptures spoke of, the Son of Man in the flesh! So, when Simon verbalizes this, and Jesus responds with a prophetic vision for his future vocation that is punctuated by a new name (Peter), how affirmed and validated he must have felt!
This is my Son, whom I love…
Later in Matthew 16:21-28, Jesus proceeds to explain that His vocation as the Son of Man is to suffer and die at the hands of His enemies. Peter takes Jesus aside, and with the passion that was just validated, rebukes Jesus by reminding Him of His Messianic mission to lead Israel in overthrowing these enemies. So appalled by Peter’s nationalistic nonsense, Jesus gives him another name (Satan); how wounded and confused Peter must have been!
This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.
And now we’re on the mountain in Matthew 17:1-8. Jesus’ face becomes like the sun and His clothes whiter than light – His body transfigured to contain as much glory as creation can behold. Moses and Elijah (the Law and Prophets in the flesh!) appear with Jesus, and Peter attempts to house them. It’s like Peter enjoyed glory so much that he wanted to bask in it longer. Immediately, a heavenly voice declares Jesus’ core identity – the same voice as His Baptism – and Peter falls facedown in sheer terror.
This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!
This time, the voice from heaven adds a command (to what was said at His baptism): Listen to Him! Jesus is transfigured in His rightful brilliance, but He’s called to lay Himself down, and invites His disciples to do the same. His glory is not in forceful rule over others, but in self-sacrifice as a way to invite the fullness of life with Him. It’s only fitting that when Peter looks up, the grand scene disappears and only Jesus is there to pick him up.
PRAYER
Jesus, teach us to see You in Your glory and suffering, Your magnificence and humility. Teach us to walk with You in the fullness of Your light and glory. Amen.
Michael Ahn, Department of Spiritual Development
Transfiguration Icon
Theophanes the Greek
c. 1408
Tretyakov State Gallery, Moscow, Russia
Egg Tempera on wood panel
About the Art
Theophanes the Greek (1340 – 1410) was one of the greatest iconographers in Muscovite Russia, and was noted as the teacher and mentor of the great Andrei Rublev. He moved from Constantinople to Novgorod in 1370, and from there to Moscow in 1395. Theophanes was described by his contemporaries in Moscow as being “learned in philosophy,” and he was accomplished in bringing the teachings of the Holy Fathers on the Transfiguration into his own icon of the subject. The geometry of the image emphasizes the serenity of Christ compared with the ordered disarray of the Apostles: Peter reaching out a hand as though in the middle of his sentence: “Lord it is good for us to be here…” (Matt 17:4)
About the Music
The Transfiguration lyrics
When he took the three disciples
to the mountainside to pray,
His countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;
They were at his side.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke
of whenever he would die.
Then there came a word
of what he should accomplish on the day.
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.
They fell on the ground.
A voice arrived, the voice of God,
The face of God covered in a cloud.
What he said to them, the voice of God, the most beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.
The prophecy was put to death,
was put to death, and so will the Son.
And keep your word, disguise the vision
till the time has come.
Lost in the cloud, a voice:
Have no fear! we draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign:
Son of man, Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!
About the Musician
Sufjan Stevens (b. 1975) is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his skill in a variety of instruments and musical styles. He has an MFA from The New School in New York City, and founded the indie record label Asthmatic Kitty with his stepfather. Though Stevens does not like to talk about his faith to the press and has stated that he keeps his beliefs out of his music, his 2004 folk-rock album Seven Swans is full of Christian themes and stories. The Transfiguration is the last track on this album.
http://music.sufjan.com/
About the Poet
Audrey Carey-Haick is a homemaker and published writer/poet. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to leaving Liberia, she attended St. Teresa's Convent and worked as an administrative assistant in the Archdiocese of Monrovia. She lives with her family in Germantown, Maryland, USA.