By Amy Schisler

“But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.'” ~ Matthew 17:7

One of the favorite retreats that I lead is titled Enlightened, Understanding the Luminous Mysteries. The Fourth Luminous Mystery is the Transfiguration of Jesus, and it’s quite the story, a mix of the old and new, an interplay between Jesus, the prophets, and Apostles. It leaves me marveling at the “majestic glory” of Christ just as the Apostles did (2 Peter 1:17). 

Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up Mount Tabor to pray. Why these three men? Why not Andrew or Matthew? Why not all the Apostles? 

The Church in Miniature

Here we have a microcosm of the Church itself. With Jesus was Peter, the Rock, the leader of Jesus’ Church on earth. Also there were the brothers, John and James. John the Beloved Disciple represents us, Jesus’ beloved brothers and sisters who make up the body of the Church. James, a missionary and the first Apostle to be martyred, was among the first whose blood watered the seeds of the Church.

This was the entirety of the Church—the High Priest, the Pope, the people, and the martyrs. Each of us was there at the moment Jesus revealed His glory. 

Mountaintop Moments 

Many important events in the Bible happened on a mountaintop—the Covenant with Abraham, the promise of the lamb to Abraham and Isaac, and the Ten Commandments. In Jesus’ own ministry, there was the temptation, the Sermon on the Mount, the lamenting over Jerusalem, the agony and betrayal in the garden, and the Ascension—the last three all on the Mount of Olives.

Have you ever stood on a mountaintop? The view from the top of a Colorado fourteener is spectacular. Breathing becomes shallow, and the heartbeat increases. It feels like you’re looking down on the entire world. It’s exhilarating and addictive. You want to stay forever, close to the heavens, marveling at everything below and beyond.

No wonder Peter wanted to stay at the top of Mount Tabor. He stood, looking down at everything below while looking up at Moses and Elijah and Jesus in His glory. Moses was the greatest prophet of Israel, the giver of the Law. Elijah was a prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah. Jesus was both the Law and the Messiah. It’s not hard to imagine the “high” that Peter was experiencing.

What message do these men have for us today? 

Coming Down

We must imitate Peter, John, and James. We must be missionary disciples, seeing the glory of God and spreading the Good News. We’re often tempted to stay and spend eternity in the glory of God, but we must go down. 

We must be transformed every day, constantly converted from sinner to saint. We must learn to follow the command of the Mass to “go forth to love and serve the Lord.” We need to be ready for the glory which is to come by being witnesses to Jesus, teaching His law, and continuing the job of the prophets and Apostles. Like Peter, James, and John, our mission is not complete. We need to return from the mountaintop to lead others to their glory.

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me rise and not be afraid in my mountaintop moments, those times I feel closest to Heaven and to you. Help me to go down and use these moments to lead others to Your Kingdom. Amen.

Call to Action:

The next time you return from a pilgrimage or retreat, or even an inspiring Mass, tell others about it! Share your enthusiasm and excitement with those you know and love, and lead them to the Kingdom.

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