Transfiguration
fra Angelico, 1450

My dear friends,

Today we reflect on a profound narrative from the Christian tradition, the account of the Transfiguration, as recorded in Luke 9:28-36. As students of humanity's rich spiritual and philosophical traditions, we can draw timeless wisdom from this narrative, insights that resonate with our shared quest for understanding and spiritual enlightenment.

The story begins with Jesus and his disciples, Peter, John, and James, ascending a mountain to engage in the ancient practice of prayer. It is here, at the apex of this climb, where the extraordinary occurs. Jesus' countenance transforms, his attire shifts to a dazzling white, and two prophetic figures from history - Moses and Elijah - manifest, conversing with him. The appearance of these two significant figures, representative of the law and the prophets, signals a momentous event about to occur in Jerusalem.

This momentous event, Jesus' impending departure, is referred to as his 'exodus,' connecting his journey to the Israelites' liberation from Egypt. This narrative sequence promotes a deeper understanding, a spiritual awakening, where the embodiment of compassion, love, and truth was about to undergo a significant transition.

Peter, weighed down by sleep but awake, witnesses this revelation. He suggests erecting three dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. In his ignorance, Peter attempts to create permanence in an impermanent situation, reminiscent of our human tendency to cling to transient phenomena.

Suddenly, they were enveloped by a cloud, a symbol of divine presence in many spiritual traditions. From the cloud, a voice proclaimed Jesus as the chosen one and urged them to listen to him. Here, we observe a call to mindful attentiveness, to sincere engagement with wisdom and teachings that elevate our shared humanity. After the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone, perhaps highlighting the importance of solitary contemplation in spiritual growth.

In the final verse, the disciples are depicted as remaining silent, refraining from sharing the events they had witnessed. This silence is indicative of a transformative spiritual experience that transcends words, one that must be personally experienced and internally processed before being shared.

Friends, this narrative from the Christian tradition resonates with the universal spiritual journey towards understanding, enlightenment, and compassion. The climb to the mountain signifies our individual and collective journey towards spiritual peaks, the transformation reflects our potential for profound change, and the command to 'listen' underscores the importance of wisdom, mindful attentiveness, and understanding in our lives.

In a world where the clouds of confusion, fear, and hatred often overshadow us, may we hear the call to compassion, wisdom, and unity echoed in these ancient narratives. And like the disciples, may we have the courage to experience, internalize, and ultimately share the transformative power of these spiritual experiences. For it is through such personal and shared journeys that we can hope to transform ourselves and the world around us.