The first reading presents us with a vision set in heaven. We see the “Ancient One” (God the Father) and “One like a Son of man” (Jesus). It states that the son is given kingship and authority over all creation, which is echoed in the following Psalm.
Artists have for years utilized the imagery from this reading in their works. How many of us picture God with white hair, and often a full beard. How do we picture God?
In the second reading, Peter echoes the first reading and the Psalm. He also recalls his own experience on the top of the mountain with the transfiguration of Jesus. I have often had people say they wish they could hear God’s voice, then the apostles did they fell to the ground in fear! I would suspect if I heard God’s voice I would be equally filled with fear. How about you? Are we willing to accept Peter’s experience without wanting to experience it ourselves?
In the Gospel we have Jesus taking three of the many disciples with him. Do we get jealous when we were not picked for special assignments? They saw Jesus transfigured and saw Moses and Elijah. How unique it must have been for the three. Interestingly Jesus told them not to tell anyone about their experience? Ever wonder why? I speculate, jealousy, disbelief, others thinking they were delusional. I have met with many people who claim unique experiences of the divine. While it is impossible for me to verify their experiences, does that mean it didn’t happen? How do we approach others who claim experiences of God?
Maybe after the disciples experienced Jesus themselves after the resurrection they were more inclined to accept the story of Peter, James, and John. How about us? We say we believe in the resurrection of Jesus, are we delusional? Do we live our lives differently having believed that Jesus rose from the dead? Are we willing to be called crazy by todays world because we accept what others find impossible to believe?
Countenance of God 