Transfiguration, an interesting event

This story, which we celebrate every August 6th, is in all three synoptic Gospels and is a bit odd.  It really doesn’t fit with the rest of the Gospels.  It is more like a magical Hollywood production than a story about a humble Savior who came with mercy and forgiveness.   We have the dead reappearing and the voice of God from the heavens. It is hard not to think of Charlton Heston and The 10 Commandments.

So why is it in the Gospel?  Each Gospel is written to a different community and this story is still there.  I don’t know if this is my thought or from a book I read or from a seminary class, but I have seen this for a long time as having to be true.  It doesn’t meet what a historian would say was fact, but the purpose has to be true for us and for our faith.  Jesus even asked his disciples to not say a word about this until after the resurrection.   The Transfiguration is an event that has to be for our faith.  That is the only reason that it is there.

The Transfiguration brings old and new together; it shows for all people that Jesus really is our Lord and Savior.  When we doubt or lack trust, we just need to look to the Transfiguration and the words of our God.

 “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Mt17:6