The Gospel for October 15, 2004 (Teresa of Avila)
Luke 9:28-36
Now about eight days after this had been said, he took with him Peter, John and James and went up the mountain to pray. And it happened that, as he was praying, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became sparkling white. And suddenly there were two men talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they woke up and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what he was saying. As he was saying this, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.’ And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.
A Study
Much has been written about the Transfiguration, perhaps the central pivot point in Jesus' ministry here.
Seeing Peter unable to stay awake while big things are happening is quite a reversal from Peter's insight into Jesus' Messiahship. Peter the insightful becomes again Peter the rock[-head], and this episode is a preview into Peter's performance in Gethsemane as well as outside Jesus' "trial" before the religious authorities on the night before Jesus' murder.
None of the gospels bothers to tell us how anyone knew just who these mysterious visitors were, a mystery that's always bothered me.
A Reflection
The events that are recounted about Moses, Elijah, and now, Jesus are wonder-filled. The two prophets, we are told in the Hebrew Bible, were "taken up" after their deaths, and now appear again; although the gospels normally would telegraph this fulfilment, loudly, they fail here to say, "Look, Elijah was to come again before the Messiah, and here he is!". But that was fulfilled.
Luke's writers echo the voice that was heard at Jesus' baptism. Was the divine instruction, "Listen to him," for just the three who accompanied Jesus to the Transfiguration, or for all of us?
Sadly, we are all too well emulating the those who accompanied him, telling no one.
The Collect
O God, who by your Holy Spirit moved Teresa of Avila to manifest to your Church the way of perfection: Grant us, we pray, to be nourished by her excellent teaching, and enkindle within us a keen and unquenchable longing for true holiness; through Jesus Christ, the joy of loving hearts, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
10:52:59 PM 
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