The Way
Transfigured on the Mountain
Glory glimpsed for a moment on the mountain
Story
Six days later, Jesus took only Peter, James, and John with him and climbed a high mountain. He had gone there to pray. As he prayed, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes flashed white as light. When the disciples, who had been struggling against sleep, opened their eyes, Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus.
The two of them were speaking of his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem. Not knowing what he was saying, Peter blurted out, Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Before he had even finished, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice spoke from the cloud. This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
The disciples fell face down on the ground, trembling. Then Jesus came and touched them. Get up. Do not be afraid. When they looked up, there was no one there but Jesus alone. As they came down the mountain, Jesus told them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Get up. Do not be afraid.
Tell no one what you have seen until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.
Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but treated him however they pleased.
This is my Son, whom I love, my delight. Listen to him.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 17:1–13 · Mk 9:2–13 · Lk 9:28–36
Background
The Gospels say only 'a high mountain.' Tradition has long identified it as Mount Tabor, but many scholars point to Mount Hermon, which is near Caesarea Philippi from the previous scene and much higher.
Pause and Reflect
After the moments of grace have passed, am I still living by the Lord's word?