And spoke of his exodus

Dn 7,9-10.13-14; or 2 Pt 1,16-19; Ps 96; Lk 9,28b-36
6 AUGUST

The things of God are not always understood instantly. Sometime has to go by occasionally. Then they remain carved as milestones in our hearts. Simon Peter and the others see, hear and do not understand. After this event their heart is not the same. A new vision has entered into it. When they then understand, this vision will be the foundation of their faith. This truth is testified by Peter many years later.

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God (2Pt 1,16-21).

What had been the error of Peter and of the other disciples of Jesus? Interpreting the prophetic scriptures in a private way. They had placed their interpretation over that of Christ the Lord, of Elijah, of Moses and of the Father of heaven himself. On the mountain, Moses and Elijah speak of Jesus’ exodus in Jerusalem. Jesus has always announced his death by crucifixion. The Father invites to listen to the Word of Jesus as his authentic truth. Instead, how did they act? They made their interpretation or understanding of the Scriptures triumph. In the name of their thought they opposed the truth of Christ the Lord. Does not the thought of this or that other person obscure the prophetic Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments today? Do not we say, against all revelation, that everyone will be in Heaven tomorrow, that hell is empty, that Christ is not needed for salvation. Can other routes and other paths be travelled? This is simply called stubborn imposition of our ways on the ways of God. Private prevails over the public, the personal over the whole Church, what we imagine imposes itself on the whole revelation. We deny the truth of God and his history with our falsehoods. Yet it would be enough to put in the heart a single Word of Scripture and with it we could begin to dismantle all our lies about revelation. A single Word believed in purity of truth and faith is able to declare false every thought of the earth and of the sky, of the men and of the devils of hell.

About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Christ Jesus must be imitated. He gave the authentic interpretation of the prophetic Scriptures and called his Father, Moses and Elijah as witnesses. We too must attest to the truth of the prophetic scriptures. How? By living their every word in purity of obedience. When we live the Word of Scripture, the Holy Spirit through us enters the hearts of those who listen and little by little, if they are of good will, convince them of the truth of the Word of Scripture. If we are without the Spirit, because we do not say the Word, no conviction is given, because the Spirit is not given through us.

Mother of God, Angels and Saints, give us perfect obedience to every Word of Jesus.