We reflected on the temptation of Jesus in the desert on the first Sunday of Lent. The second Sunday invites us to reflect on the transfiguration experience of Jesus on Mount Tabore. The temptations in the desert revealed to us the struggles of Jesus as a human person. Though he was fully divine and fully human, he was not exempt from this reality of our existence. Then, what is the significance of this transfiguration experience of Jesus in his life as well as ours?

Firstly, it reveals to us the pre-existent or eternal glory of Jesus. Jesus, who is fully divine and fully human, comes to know his divine identity as much as his human intellect has allowed him. Therefore, the transfiguration event was a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, like baptism. In the book of Exodus, we see Moses had God experience at Mount Sinai, and his face became radiant. Even then, when he came down, he had to cover his face. At Tabore, Jesus reveals a glimpse of his divine glory to his disciples. Moses face was radiant due to his encounter with the Lord. Jesus, the Son of God, not only became radiant but also his clothes became dazzling white, representing his glory as the second person of the Trinity.

Secondly, this event gives a complete picture of the mission of Jesus, namely the closure of his redemptive mission. He needs to shed everything, including his own life at Calvary, before entering back into his divine glory. The presence of Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijha, the prophet par excellence, assists Jesus in understanding the divine plan concerning the closure of his mission. When Jesus comes to know his Father’s will, he immediately surrenders his will to the Father.

Thirdly, this event acknowledges Abba’s claim on Jesus, that Jesus is his beloved son, and all his disciples were asked to listen to him, who is the way, the truth, and the life. His words lead us to Abba, who is the fullness of life. The disciples who witnessed this revelation could not digest it fully, and in that awe, they told Jesus that it was good to be there. They would construct three tents. One for Jesus, Moses, and Elijha, respectively. They wanted to prolong the divine experience that they had. Anyhow, Jesus was very clear: before entering into his divine glory, he had to climb another mountain at Golgotha. He knew that there was no glory without walking the way of the cross. Similarly, if any of his disciples wanted to share his divine glory, they needed to take up their daily crosses.

All of us want to lead a comfortable life. The transfiguration experience of Jesus teaches that, like Christ, when we surrender ourselves completely to the will of Abba Father, we will be transformed and transfigured like Jesus to accept the crosses that we may encounter at the crossroads of our lives. The first reading shares with us the heroic witness of Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moria. Abraham could have been disobedient because he received Isaac at his old age and he was his only future heir. Yet, like Jesus, Abraham surrendered himself to the will of Abba and was about to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham passed this test and became the father of nations. Like Jesus, when we surrender ourselves fully to the will of Abba and wholeheartedly take up our daily crosses, we too share the divine glory that awaits all of us.