2 Peter 1:16-19, Ps 97, Mark 9:2-10
Those who are interested in such things as climbing mountains may find themselves motivated to do so by various reasons. Some might go for the view, some might go for the sense of accomplishment in attaining the summit at great personal risk. When Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to ascend Mt. Everest, when asked why he chose to climb such a dangerous mountain responded simply, “because its there”.
Today’s feast revolves around what took place amoung the clouds of a mountaintop. The climbers were brought together not by natural beauty or personal accomplishment but by the invitation of Jesus who saw the setting as a fitting place to reveal something especially important about Himself to a few close friends.
The description of the event tells us nothing of the climb or of the scenery but focuses solely on the person of Jesus and what takes place before the eyes of the witnnesses. Transfigured before them Jesus the man is revealed as Jesus the divine Son of God. This signature “coming out” changed the lives of those disciples radically and would become a touchstone for how they would go on to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Peter writes in his letter from the first reading today that his preaching is not fabricated from stories or well worn myths but, rather, from first hand, eyewitnees experience. Peter was one of those chosen to be a part of the mountaintop revelation. Hearing with his own ears, seeing with his own eyes Peter was a witness to the transfiguration of Jesus and as such takes it upon himself to share that with whoever will listen.
We are two thousand years removed from that experience but Peter’s words continue to resound for us as we read the Gospel on our own or listen to it in the midst of a faith community, “We oursleves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him.
In our faith journey we may be privleged from time to time to have our own moments of mountaintop manifestation as we see or experience Jesus in new ways which transforms our lives. Such moments are amazing and we might be tempted, like Peter was in the Gospel, to build a tent and stay in that moment and savor the spritual high. However such moments are not meant for ourselves alone. Those who receive the gift of the invitation are called to share it with the world, not as story or myth, but as truth as only an eyewitness can share.
Reflect for a moment on a mountain top experience that you have had?
How did it change your image of God?
How have you been able to share that revelation with others?
