Radiant Face

Today’s Gospel Text:  Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" - not knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Luke 9:28b-36

Reflection: There are ways to alter one’s countenance with modern cosmetic and surgical methods. There is so much of science in this whole alteration of the face, whether it is through face packs, bleach packs, massage, wrinkle removers, internal diet regimens, or surgical interventions.

When one communicates, much of it is through the mouth yet one looks at the various parts of the face, especially the eyes while communicating with people. 

Even otherwise the face communicates a lot, whether it be the eyes, ears or nose or skin, etc.  The nonverbal content of the communication far exceeds the verbal.

Yet in all this we could be less attuned to the overall other parts of the face and instead focus largely on the words that emanate from the mouth.

In the gospel we see an alteration which takes place at mount Tabor, which did not require any external human intervention, neither by self nor by others. 

Jesus’ face is completely altered, reveals the scripture. They were able to recognize Jesus solely on account of their being with Jesus and the incident happening before them, otherwise they would have had difficulty in doing so. 

What is more the brightness and the shine of that moment, the beauty and grace, did make them want for more, even unto eternity.

The message of the transfiguration is a message of hope for those who are seeking; not the beauty of their faces in this life only, but seeking the real beauty which the heavenly grace can bring about. 

In our service to the Lord we could experience the innumerable forces of disfigurement brought about either by nature or by the slander and gossip of the enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

No matter what disfigurement we face our Lord will transfigure our lowly bodies into copies of his heavenly body. (cfr. I Cor. 15: 42-50)

Prayer: “Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.”  (Ps 34:5) I rejoice in your word Lord. 

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