We perhaps remember this ancient hymn:
Yes, Heaven is the prize!
When sorrows press around,
Look up beyond the skies
Where hope and strength are found.
Ref. Tis Heaven!—’tis Heaven!—yes, Heaven is the prize!
The feast of transfiguration reminds us of the amazing glory that awaits us. After the painful phase of the process of rebirth here on Earth. Jesus took the three great witnesses, Peter, James and John, with him. They went to Mount Tabor to have a foretaste of this glory for many reasons. I will explain some of the reasons below.
Witnesses
They would be his witnesses. Witnesses that would testify to the immensity of the One who Daniel described. They said in these awe-inspiring words, “His robe was white as snow. The hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence” (Daniel 7: 9–10).
The experience of these apostles confirmed to them that Jesus was this same God. The God revealed in the prophecy of Daniel. For they saw his face shone like the Sun. His cloth became dazzlingly white, brilliant as lightning, as he transformed to his true nature before their eyes. They were awe-stricken as a bright cloud covered them with shadow. And they trembled as a baritone voice rumbled from the cloud: “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him” (Mk. 9:7). They were given a glimpse of Heaven, an encounter with the One of great age, who sits on the throne. They experienced Jesus for who he really is. Namely, “the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty and awesome God” (Deut. 10:17). This encounter would greatly fortify their witnessing to his sublime divinity and sovereignty.
Not Just a Prophet
These apostles needed to know that Jesus was not just a prophet but also the One the law and the prophets have been speaking about. Jesus wanted to lead them to the understanding that he himself was the fulfilment of the laws and the prophets, the awaited Messiah, the hope of the fallen world.
They saw Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, who represented the prophets, appear and were conversing with him. It was a handover encounter. Moses and Elijah were saying, “behold your redeemer. All our witnessing, all the laws and prophecies, find meaning only in Him and through Him.” It was for this reason that Peter later testified, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Passion
Immediately after his transfiguration on Mount Tabor, Jesus hinted of his passion. Although the apostles did not understand what he meant by, “Until the Son of Man had risen from the dead” (Matt. 17:9). It was enough to prepare them to manage the despondency that would arise from the horror and indignity of the cross. When his passion begins, they would recall the experience on Mount Tabor. The apostles were made then to understand that the redeeming work of Christ would come in two phases: The Cross and the Glory. Their experience exhibited the glory that awaited them, if they would overcome the world like their Master.
The Prize
Through the witnessing of the apostles, we have come to know Him as the one true God. They have revealed to us the incredible prize that awaits us after our own passions here on Earth. Heaven is this prize. The experience is awesome. Peter had a glimpse of it and was so overwhelmed that he forgot he had a family on Earth. He wanted to remain on Mount Tabor in perpetuity. We cannot afford to be excluded from this amazing eternal encounter with the Almighty. Thus, when sorrows press around, look up beyond the skies, where hope and strength are found. For Heaven is the prize. That is where our true treasures are laid up. Do not give up the fight until Jesus transforms us into his eternal glory.
[Readings: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Mk 9:2-10]
