Weekly devotional: “My Son, whom I love” (13 in Jesus’ miracles series)

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus… While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:1–3, 6–8)

Photo: Creative Commons, carulmare. DUCCIO di Buoninsegna Transfiguration, 1308-11

During this series on Jesus’ miracles, we’ve seen Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, overcoming nature, and exorcising demons. Our final miracle to consider today is the transfiguration, when the divine nature of Jesus is revealed. Whereas the other miracles are ones that Jesus performs, this one is performed on Jesus.

Jesus has taken his inner circle of disciples – those who would be future church leaders – up a mountain to pray. It’s as if the heavens open and the scales fall from their eyes as they glimpse Jesus as God the Son, with his face shining and his clothes as white as light. Then they hear God say that this is his beloved son, and that they should listen to him. As with all mortals who come in contact with the living God, they are terrified. But Jesus touches them, reassuring them. They are changed, but they are to fear not.

“Listen,” says God the Father. Are we listening to Jesus? Do we stop to pause and wait for his words and his directions, in things big and small? Have we aligned our lives in submission to his loving will?

As we do so, Jesus will work miracles in us. As God’s beloved Son he promises to bring reconciliation, healing, and restoration. May we enjoy the new kingdom that he is ushering in to its fullness, sharing his joy and peace with our families and those whom we meet.

For reflection: “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).