ON MOUNT TABOR

Today we visited the site of the Transfiguration, that awesome moment in Scripture where Christ is revealed in his glory alongside Moses (the great Prophet of the Law) and Elijah (the great prophet). Jesus is transfigured before three of his beloved disciples in this manner to show that A) he is the Son of God and B) that he is in accord with the great prophets of the Jewish Tradition. The mountain looks out all around a lush, green landscape. Apart from the wind and the bell tower, it is serene and quiet.

It is here we are taught a valuable lesson, not by Jesus transfigured, but God the Father. The Apostles who were there, Peter, James, and John, were awestruck and terrified at the site. In Matthew's account Peter was the first to come to his senses. He got up and spoke, “It is good that we are here. Let us prepare three tents” (cf. Mt 17:4). Tents may also be said as “tabernacles” since the Arc of the Covenant was also kept under a tent. Peter was recognizing holiness, not asking for a sleepover. He recognized holiness and God's glory and responded the only way he could. But then a strange thing happened: God the Father interrupts Peter. It says “while he [Peter] was still talking … a bright cloud cast a shadow over them” (v. 5) and said “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Notice that the moment we recognize holiness, or see God, or something godlike we feel the need to do something about it. God, the Father, whom Jesus obeyed unto death, stops us before we even begin: “listen to him.” Make yourselves passive. Wait for his voice. The disciples become even more afraid at this. It was here that Jesus touched them—a personal gesture—and said “Rise, and do not be afraid” (v.7). Not only did Jesus touch them, he bid them to rise with him. Those are his words to us at this holy place.

 When we encounter God He does not want us to please Him or do something special. In fact that's what so often gets us into trouble. How much trouble—born of good and bad intentions—could be halted if we simply listened to Him? Peter was right when he said, “Here is holiness!” But he was wrong when he said, “Here's what we must do about it.” May we recognize God as Peter did, but listen as the Father commanded.