(Source from The Word Among Us – Year B)

They kept the matter to themselves. (Mark 9:10)

Today we hear Mark’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration and get a snapshot of his divinity. Six days after predicting his death and resurrection, Jesus shows his glory to Peter, James, and John (Mark 8:31; 9:2-8). In a flash, the disciples’ eyes are opened. They can see who Jesus truly is. He is more than a good rabbi, a miraculous healer, or a gifted preacher. He is greater than even Moses or Elijah! Jesus is God. 

Jesus’ disciples didn’t fully grasp their mountaintop vision or how they would need to cling to it as Jesus headed toward the cross. They didn’t know how their faith would be tested or how important it was that Jesus was more than just a man. And they didn’t know what Jesus meant when he said he would die and rise again. But Jesus knew. That’s why he told them to keep the revelation to themselves until he “had had risen from the dead” (Mark 9:9). 

In his transfiguration, Jesus was giving his disciples a gift to sustain them for the day of his crucifixion. On that day there would not be three tents but three crosses. Jesus would not stand between Moses and Elijah; he would hang between “two revolutionaries” (Mark 15:27). On that day they would abandon their teacher and Lord to his cruel end. But Jesus’ transfiguration not only helped the disciples during his crucifixion. Even more, it foreshadowed an even greater revelation of his divinity: the resurrection! 

Jesus’ glory was just as present on the cross as it was on the mountaintop. The disciples just couldn’t see it. They needed a heavenly perspective—and so do we. That’s why Jesus invites us to go up the mountain every day for a glimpse of his glory: to see Jesus, the Son of God, who will be with us always, to the end of time.

So whether you’re at Mass or confined to your bed, look to Jesus today. Ask him to open your eyes. Let him strengthen your faith and fill you with hope!

“Jesus, help me to see your glory.”