One of the central themes of Lent is our personal and communal change of heart. We often say we are available to God, but are we listening when God calls us? The Transfiguration is the story of God’s love for us. Jesus is the fruit of God’s love present among us.

Just before the event of the Transfiguration, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples seemed puzzled and suggested many things that people were saying. Finally, Jesus asked them, “Who do you say I am?”

With Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop, Jesus revealed himself as the one the Law and Prophets mentioned as the Messiah anointed by God. Appearing with Elijah and Moses, Jesus is in his glory and splendor. Finally recognizing Jesus’ identity, the disciples want to build three tents and remain with the Lord.

The Transfiguration was when these disciples got to know Jesus as the Messiah and experienced being loved by him. They did not want this experience to end. The Transfiguration was a magnificent moment on the mountaintop. However, they also realized that the cost of discipleship includes the prediction of Jesus’ passion and death.

Our openness to the Lord must drive us to reach out to those who need the mountaintop experience. Reflecting on today’s Gospel, whether on the mountaintop or in the valley awaiting the disciples return, we all want the experience of seeing the transfigured Lord. 

Even though Peter, James, and John experienced the transfigured Lord in His majesty and might, many still seek that experience. They, too, want to hear how deeply they are loved, healed, and saved by the Lord.