Transfiguration and the Cross

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:2–10*

*First Reading : 2 Pt 1:16–19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Dn 7:9–10, 13–14*

*Transfiguration and the Cross*

*1) The Transfiguration Prepares for the Passion*

Immediately before the Transfiguration in all three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection:

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly… be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9:22)

Then follows the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36), where Jesus reveals His heavenly glory. This shows that the path to glory passes through the Cross.

Jesus shows His divine identity to strengthen the disciples' faith before they see Him suffer.

*2)  They Spoke of His ‘Exodus’ in Jerusalem*

During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. 

Luke says: *“They spoke of His departure [Greek: exodos], which He was to accomplish in Jerusalem.”* (Luke 9:31)

This “departure” refers to Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. 

The word exodus also links it to Moses leading the people out of slavery—Jesus will now lead humanity from sin and death to eternal life.

The glory of the Transfiguration points toward the greater glory achieved through the Cross.

*3) The Cross is the True Revelation of Glory*

While the Transfiguration is a brief flash of divine light, the Cross is the full revelation of God’s love:

“When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

In John's Gospel, Jesus' “lifting up” on the Cross is His moment of glory (John 12:23–24). 

The Transfiguration shows glory; the Cross realizes it through sacrifice.

The Transfiguration shows what Jesus possesses; the Cross shows what He gives.

*4) From Glory to the Garden*

After the Transfiguration, Jesus comes down the mountain—just as He later enters Gethsemane, where His face will be marked not by light, but sweat and anguish (Luke 22:44).

The brightness of Tabor and the darkness of Gethsemane are two sides of the same mission: God’s love revealed.

*5) Listen to Him – Even on the Cross*

At the Transfiguration, the Father says: *“This is my Son… listen to Him.”* (Luke 9:35)

To listen to Jesus means not only to admire His glory but to follow Him to the Cross:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

The voice from the cloud reminds the disciples: don’t turn away when the Cross comes—keep listening.

*6) Hope in Suffering*

The Transfiguration gives hope: Jesus' suffering is not the end. The glory seen on the mountain will shine again in the Resurrection.

As Paul says: *“If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him.”* (Romans 8:17)

*7) Two sides of the same coin*

The Transfiguration and the Cross are two sides of the same coin. One reveals who Jesus is; the other reveals why He came.

To follow the transfigured Lord means also walking with Him to Calvary—but with hope, because we know that the light of Mount Tabor will return in the Resurrection.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*