My Beloved Ones,

Holy Tradition tells us that our Lord’s Transfiguration happened 40 days before His Crucifixion (and so we celebrate the feast on August 6th, 40 days before the Feast of the Holy Cross on September 14th). Therefore, our Lord brings Peter, James, and John with Him to Mount Tabor because He knows that their hearts will be tested and that they need support for the trials they will experience. For example, Peter has proclaimed his belief that Christ is the Son of God, but after Judas’s betrayal, Peter will deny Jesus. And so, the coming miracle of the Transfiguration is not only a proof of our Lord’s Divinity, but it also provides the ways and means to strengthen the hearts of all Christians.

St. Luke tells us that at the top of the mountain, Jesus’s “…countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:29-31). The three Disciples do not understand these things, and it is for this reason that “…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 Elijah’—not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud” (Luke 9:33-34). Now, this fear inside the cloud is a great mystery to us: it is difficult to imagine what the Disciples thought as they woke from sleep to see their Teacher transfigured and speaking with two of the greatest Prophets; were we then covered by a divine cloud, we also might speak without understanding what we are saying.

However, in this Sunday’s Epistle, St. Paul’s words to the Romans also give us encouragement in how we can overcome fear, and instead live with a God-given peace: “Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:11-12). When we read during the Transfiguration that “…a voice came out of the cloud…” we are meant to be uplifted, for though this voice is full of awesome power, it is also full of Godly Love. And so, even when we continue to face difficulties in this life, we shall not fear anything, because we know that we will witness the Lord’s Resurrection. Though the Disciples were tested after the Betrayal, God never abandoned them, and He does not leave us in our hour of need either. Instead, He uses moments of fear and uncertainty to strengthen us, so that we can hold fast to the Father’s words (with zealous, joyful, and prayerful hearts) especially when He gives us a commandment that is perhaps the key to eternal life: “This is my Son, my Beloved; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35)

+ALEXIOS

Metropolitan of Atlanta

The Gospel Reading - Sixth Sunday of Matthew

Matthew 9:1-8

The Paralytic Restored

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

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