Church of the
Annunciation

There are times when an exceptional experience is very difficult to explain not just to others but even to ourselves. Words are inadequate to the task of fully understanding the significance of the happening. Two examples: 1) a father being present in the birthing room of his daughter or son and then trying to explain how deeply he is affected; 2) a near death experience when the person describes being out of his or her body looking down and being drawn into a tunnel of light by a being of love. We call these moments: “altered states of consciousness.” In our Gospel, St. Luke, the evangelist, uses word to describe an event beyond our capacity to comprehend. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain. In the Bible, a mountain is where people encounter God. God’s glory shines in and through Jesus. His face shines and his clothes are bright white. Two men appear in conversation with Jesus – Moses and Elijah. The three disciples are frightened but they also want to stay. Peter, without thinking, suggests that they set up three tents. A cloud engulfs them and then they hear the voice of God: “This is my chosen son. Listen to him.” They come down the mountain with Jesus. Peter, James and John say nothing of the occurrence at this time but they do listen attentively to Jesus. Together they journey to Jerusalem where Jesus is arrested, sentenced to death and crucified. The disciples carry within the memory of the vision and the voice on the nountain of transfiguration. The resurrection of Jesus and his appearances to them enable the disciples with Easter faith to recall the mountain with understanding. As God’s glory shines through Jesus, Jesus as the Christ will be revealed in and through those who come to experience life in him. During Lent we strive to listen to the Word of God and we pray for the grace of transformation and conversion.