Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: In some ways it is odd encountering the story of the transfiguration outside of the Second Sunday of Lent or the Feast of the Transfiguration. Yet, today we encounter Mark’s version of the event. As I have often reflected on this story in the life of Jesus, I have wondered why or how Jesus chose Peter, James and John to be witness to this special event.  There must have been something special about these three disciples because they are also selected to accompany Jesus for his agony in the garden.  Jesus must have seen something in these three that set them apart from the others. Perhaps in them Jesus saw true friends, not perfect friends, but true friends. Whatever the reason they were privileged to be present at profound moments in the life of Jesus. At the transfiguration they hear the words of God the Father and get a glimpse of the divinity of Jesus.  Truly this was a very special moment for Peter, James and John.
 
The transfiguration is a very mysterious event.  It is reserved for these three alone to witness, and they had to keep it a secret until after the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Had they spoken immediately after they came down from the mountain, others might have been unable to understand what they had encountered and heard.  Only later, when Jesus had completed his instructions and teaching would all be able to understand what Peter, James and John had encountered.
 
Perhaps the challenge of our Gospel today is for us to take the words of God the Father from the Transfiguration as addressed to ourselves.  Just as the Father called Peter, James and John on that mountain top many years ago, God invites us today to listen to the words of Jesus.  God asks us not merely to hear the words of Jesus, but to really and truly listen to them.  God wants us to hear, to listen and like Peter, James and John to be friends of Jesus in the most profound sense.
 
Have a great Saturday everyone!