THE TRANSFIGURATION: A word that is sometimes mentioned concerning God’s nature is TRANSCENDENCE. Whe
n we speak of “transcendence”, we talk about that aspect of God’s nature and power that is wholly independent of – or beyond – the known material universe or physical laws; beyond our common human experience. It is a difficult concept to grasp, so we tend to concentrate on the physical aspects of our faith. Yet, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:5 “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. God gives us the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, so that we can begin to grasp something of what is beyond our human existence.
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We say that God moves in mysterious ways – beyond what we can think of or imagine.
The fiery chariot which carried Elijah to heaven; the burning bush in Exodus and the dazzling
brightness of Jesus on the mountain are biblical examples of the awesome nature of God.
We need not shy away from transcendent experiences like these, but should welcome them –
even seek them since, throughout history, God has spoken in and through them.
Almighty God steps into our lives to give us an awareness of His amazing power and authority.
In Mark’s description of the transfiguration of Jesus, we hear how some quite ordinary people
were completely amazed by the greatness of God. It’s a bit like a crash course in learning
things about God. If you’ve ever been on a crash course for anything you soon come to realize
that it’s no good going on any kind of course unless what is learnt is put into practice.
Jesus had gone up the mountain with Peter, James and John and was transfigured right there
in front of them. His disciples did not know what was happening, or why. Peter was so terrified
when Moses and Elijah appeared on the mountain that he started to say things he did not quite
understand. He was scared. The transfiguration was something of a crash course.
On the way down from the mountain, Jesus explained to the disciples that they were not to tell
anyone what they had seen; not until after He had risen from the dead. He was preparing them
for His own death – something they could not understand. It only began to make sense after
Jesus had died, risen and returned to heaven. For now, they were aware that there were things
they had to do, and so went on expecting Jesus to do great things. God does not do what we
expect. Peter, James and John were caught up in awe and wonder at His power and might – at
what we might call “transcendence”.
God is bigger, greater and more amazing than the limited pictures we have of Him and He
wants to communicate wonderful things to us.
The top of a mountain is an awesome site and offers an unforgettable vista. In the transfiguration
account it was a place of revelation of God to human beings. The transfiguration shows us
the splendour of heaven. We can only imagine what such an amazing encounter would have
been like. Thankfully, we are the beneficiaries of this event – we have been called into a relationship
with Jesus, the beloved Son of God. By listening to His word, and applying it to our
lives, we are transformed. May our lives be transfigured by God this Lent.
Diocesan Spiritual Director
Revd Steve niland