By Sister Timothy Marie, O.C.D.
The Transfiguration is one of the most evocative passages in Scripture. Jesus, who was born in a humble stable and lived the greater part of His life in obscurity, is suddenly seen working miracles. His apostles began to wonder if Jesus is the Messiah. The Jews of the day had very specific ideas, though, about the Messiah. He would establish a Kingdom and throw off the oppressors so that Israel would no longer be subject to foreign domination. But then Jesus startles them with His prediction of His Passion. Suffering. Ignominy. Death. These don’t fit into their concept of the coming Messiah. The apostles are confused and their faith is shaken.
Not long after His prediction of His coming suffering and death, Peter, James, and John go with Jesus up the mountain. It is there that His Glory is revealed. They are astounded. Moses and Elijah join him, and the cloud of God’s glory immerses them.
It is an incredible moment. This is God’s perfect timing.
In our lives, too, God’s perfect timing makes itself known. For some reason, both the glory and the cross remain throughout our lives. Mother Luisita, our foundress, wrote, “Suffer and wait. Pray and expect.” These are good words to ponder daily as we experience the highs and lows of life.
Let us reflect on the Transfiguration of Our Lord followed by His Passion and Death through the lens of God’s perfect timing.
