The four Gospels describe many of Christ’s miracles that he performed during his three years of preaching and ministry, but they also affirm that there were many more not included. However, the most unique miracle is the one that happens to Jesus himself: the Transfiguration, one of the five major milestones in his life (along with Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension). This Gospel story is part of the liturgy for the second Sunday in Lent and is recorded by three of the evangelists — Mark, Luke and Matthew. Significantly, it is also only the second time in the Gospels that the voice of God the Father is heard. The first time was at Christ’s baptism (“This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased”).On this momentous occasion Christ takes three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, with him “up a high mountain” and is transfigured before them. “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” It is a transforming moment of human nature meeting God and a visible proof for the disciples of Christ’s divinity. During this radiant experience, Christ speaks with Moses and Elijah who represent the law and the prophets — Moses, the leader and lawgiver and Elijah the prophet, healer and hero. So taken is he with this experience, Peter proclaims that something should be built to commemorate the awe-inspiring event.Then a “bright cloud casts a shadow over them.” The disciples hear a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” They are filled with fear but Jesus reassures them and, as the Gospel says, touched them. His prophetic words, “Do not be afraid” endure today with the words of God: “Listen to Him.”
