In Father Michael Whelan's reflection on the Feast of the Transfiguration, he focuses on the Gospel text from Matthew chapter 17, which depicts the transformative event on the mountaintop. He suggests that this event had a significant impact on the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as on the lives of the disciples and the early Church. Father Whelan draws parallels between this event and the theophany of Sinai in Exodus, highlighting Jesus' essential role in fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament. He emphasizes the continuity between Jesus and the Jewish tradition, as Jesus reveals God's dwelling place with humanity in space and time through his incarnation. Father Whelan connects this event to the sacrament of baptism, where believers are united with Jesus, the dwelling place of God, bridging the gap between the material world and eternity.
In the reflection, Father Whelan points out the profound significance of the Transfiguration, where the Creator reveals Himself within the created world, and Jesus, the Son, represents the intimate relationship of God as Father. He underscores the transformative nature of this event and its impact on our understanding of space, time, and our connection with God. Father Whelan's reflection concludes with a powerful call to appreciate the sacraments, especially baptism, as they bring us into communion with Jesus, the dwelling place of God, bridging the gap between the finite and the infinite, and awakening us to the glorious reality of the Incarnation.
