Who Changed, Really?

This Sunday, the final Sunday in the season of Ordinary Time prior to the start of Lent, is traditionally observed as Transfiguration Sunday. The basis for this celebration in the church year is found in our scripture passage for the week, Luke 9:28-36, where Jesus' glorious nature is physically and visibly revealed to Peter, James, and John. Just as we begin this season after Christmas with Jesus being recognized and celebrated by the Magi, by Simeon and Anna in the temple, and by John the Baptist at the Jordan, so we conclude with Jesus' closest disciples receiving of deeper understanding of who Jesus is.

The word "transfiguration" is a fancy way of saying "change in appearance." It points to something superficial, the way something is perceived; it doesn't necessarily mean the inner essence or reality is changed. But was it only a change in Jesus' appearance that day - or were the disciples changed themselves for having experienced it? This week, we will look at possible reasons for the transfiguration - why it happened when it did, or at all - and its effects. What did the disciples take away from the experience? More importantly, how does it affect our faith, our discipleship, and our own nature as followers of Christ today?