This event shows several striking similarities to the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1:9-11). In the one, Jesus is immersed in water as a sign of his solidarity with sinful humanity; in the other, he is enveloped in glory as a sign of his divinity. In both, a voice speaks from the heavens proclaiming Jesus as God’s Son. In the transfiguration comes the added command, "Listen to him." In all the Gospels, the baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, while the transfiguration marks the beginning of the disciples’ awareness of the true nature of his mission. Note that the transfiguration is presented in very close connection with Jesus’ teaching about his death and resurrection (see Mk 8:27-28; 9:9-13, 30-32).

Elijah features in the narrative because the suffering and death of John the Baptist (the new Elijah) foreshadowed that of Jesus (9:9-13). Moses, in leading the chosen people out of slavery, through the sea, into the freedom of the promised land, prefigured the suffering-death-resurrection passage of Jesus, which his followers must also share (8:34-38).

The six days, the mountain and cloud, and the booths or tents are all a clear reference to the yearly Jewish feast of tabernacles, which celebrated the anticipation of the Messiah and his enthronement. In his transfiguration, Jesus proclaims that he is the awaited Messiah, but that his glory would be fulfilled through suffering.

This story of the sacrifice of Isaac displays many levels of meaning as a part of the Jewish scriptural tradition. It consecrates the mount of the temple (Moriah) as a place fitting for sacrifice. It condemns the practice of infant sacrifice, which was prevalent in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C.E., by demonstrating a substitute sacrifice to redeem the first-born, who belong to God. Moreover, it emphasizes that true sacrifice lies in faith and obedience rather than in actual slaughter. Finally, it demonstrates that the fulfillment of God’s promise of descendants to Abraham does not depend on physical procreation through Isaac alone, but on the power of God. This event looks forward to the death and resurrection of Jesus, in which the giving up of life into God’s hands brings forth new life in abundance.

This psalm is the prayer of thanksgiving of one who was faithful to God even in the midst of darkness and affliction. Response: "I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living" (v 9).

At the heart of faith is the confidence that, if God wills to save us, he does not will to accuse and condemn us. His saving will is shown in his raising Jesus up to be our savior, not merely by his death, but by his continued presence with the Father, commending us to his love and mercy.

1. How do you understand the idea of suffering and death in relation to glory?

2. What is the meaning of sacrifice in your life?