Transformation of Glory

 

As we approach the season of Lent, today’s readings share a common theme: the transformative glory of God. Whether it is Moses descending from Mount Sinai, Paul speaking of unveiled faces, or Jesus transfigured before His disciples, each passage reveals how encountering God’s presence changes us. This transformation is not meant to be hidden but to prepare us for the journey ahead. The question before us today is: How do we allow God’s glory to transform us so that we may, in turn, shine His light into the world?

Moses' face shines with God's glory after being in His presence. This transformation is so overwhelming that the Israelites fear to look at him, prompting Moses to wear a veil. This moment illustrates how an encounter with God changes a person, making His presence visible to others. Yet, the people's reluctance to see this glory reflects humanity's struggle to embrace God's transforming work fully.

Moses' radiance was not a result of his merit but of his time spent in communion with God. In the same way, our transformation does not come from our efforts but from beholding God's presence. This passage asks: Do we spend enough time with God for His glory to be evident in our lives? Do we, like Moses, reflect God's radiance in a way that draws others to Him?

Paul contrasts the veiling of Moses with the unveiled access we now have in Christ. Through Jesus, we no longer need to hide from God's glory but are called to reflect it. Paul reminds us that as we behold the Lord, we are being transformed into His likeness. This transformation is not just for personal experience but for the sake of sharing God’s light with the world.

Paul speaks of boldness and freedom in Christ, reminding us that we are no longer bound by the limitations of the old covenant and so we should not get stuck in it. Many Christians still live too much in the Old Covenant instead of the freedom that Christ offers. Instead, the Spirit enables us to live openly in God’s presence. Yet, many of us still live as if a veil remains, keeping us from experiencing and reflecting the fullness of God's glory. What veils do we continue to wear? Are they veils of fear, doubt, or unworthiness? Christ tore down the veil that separates us from God and we should live by it. Lent is a time to remove these veils so that the radiance of Christ may shine through us unhindered.

On the mountain, Jesus’ divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John. This moment is not just about revelation but preparation—Jesus is about to begin His journey to the cross. The presence of Moses and Elijah connects Jesus to the law and the prophets, affirming that He is the fulfillment of God’s plan. The Father’s command to “listen to Him” calls the disciples to obedience, even when the path leads to suffering.

Peter’s instinct is to remain in the moment of divine glory by building shelters, but Jesus’ mission is not to stay on the mountaintop—it is to journey into the suffering of the world. Immediately after this revelation, Jesus descends and is met with a desperate father and a suffering child. This juxtaposition teaches us that divine encounters are not meant to be hoarded but to equip us for ministry in the valleys of life.

How often do we, like Peter, wish to remain in moments of spiritual clarity and avoid the difficulties of faith? The Transfiguration reminds us that true discipleship means carrying the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. Where is God calling us to bring His presence today?

The shared theme in these passages is clear: encountering God’s glory transforms us and calls us into deeper faith and mission. The season of Lent, which we enter the coming week,  is not just about reflection and repentance but about being changed by God's presence. As Moses' face shone, as Paul called us to remove our veils, and as Jesus led us from the mountain to the cross, we were invited to step into God's transforming work.

Lent is a journey—a time to move from the mountaintop to the places where Christ is most needed. It is a time to examine what in our lives needs to be unveiled so that God’s glory may shine through us. It is an opportunity to embrace transformation, surrendering our fears and doubts so that we may walk more boldly in the light of Christ.

Where is God calling you to bring His light? What in your life needs to be unveiled so that His presence may be more fully revealed? As we step into this sacred season, let us seek not only to reflect on God's glory but to be changed by it.

The glory of God is not just something to witness—it is something that changes us. As we prepare for Lent, may we open ourselves to this transformation, letting go of anything that hinders us from reflecting Christ’s light. May we carry this glory not just in moments of spiritual clarity but into the everyday realities of our lives. May we, like Moses, spend time in God’s presence, like Paul, remove the veils from our hearts, and like Jesus, bring God’s glory into a broken world in need of redemption. Amen

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