Transfiguration

Did you know that Episcopalians have nuns and convents? There is one in Glendale, Ohio a suburb of Cincinnati. I have been an associate there for thirty-one years.

Recently the Sisters of the Transfiguration sent out a photo of the icon they commissioned years ago. The first artist died before she could complete it. The second artist worked on it and recently sent it along to the Sisters. It depicts Jesus at the Transfiguration, supposedly on the Mount of Tabor. The letters around the edge quote the Scripture Luke 9:29 I believe.

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 

Luke 9:28-29

Orthodox Church of America says “We believe that at the Transfiguration He manifested not some other sort of light, but only that which was concealed beneath His fleshly exterior. This Light was the Light of the Divine Nature, and as such, it was Uncreated and Divine. So also, in the teachings of the Fathers, Jesus Christ was transfigured on the Mount, not taking upon Himself something new nor being changed into something new, nor something which formerly He did not possess. Rather, it was to show His disciples that which He already was, opening their eyes and bringing them from blindness to sight. For do you not see that eyes that can perceive natural things would be blind to this Light?”

Here is the site if you care to read more https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/0215/08/06/102215-the-holy-transfiguration-of-our-lord-god-and-savior-jesus-christ

TRANSFIGURATION (Gk. metamorphoō, to “change into another form”). It is recorded (Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2) that our Lord “was transfigured” before His disciples Peter, James, and John; and this is explained (Luke 9:29): “And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.” Each of the evangelists represents it as taking place about eight days after the first distinct intimation our Lord made to them of His approaching sufferings, death, and resurrection. The location is merely given as a high mountain, which is traditionally thought to have been Mt. Tabor; but as Jesus was at this time sojourning in the neighborhood of Caesarea Philippi, it seems likely that it was one of the ridges of Hermon. While our Lord was praying He was “transfigured,” i.e., His external aspect was changed, His face gleaming like the sun, and His clothing being so white that it shone like light. The cause of this appearance was that His divine glory shone out through His human form and was not, as in the case of Moses, caused by God’s having appeared to Him.

Unger’s Bible dictionary

The Transfiguration of our Lord on a “high mountain apart,” is described by each of the three evangelists (Matt. 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36). The fullest account is given by Luke, who, no doubt, was informed by Peter, who was present on the occasion. What these evangelists record was an absolute historical reality, and not a mere vision. The concurrence between them in all the circumstances of the incident is exact. John seems to allude to it also (John 1:14). Forty years after the event Peter distinctly makes mention of it (2 Pet. 1:16–18). In describing the sanctification of believers, Paul also seems to allude to this majestic and glorious appearance of our Lord on the “holy mount” (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18).
The place of the transfiguration was probably Mount Hermon (q.v.), and not Mount Tabor, as is commonly supposed.

Easton Bible Dictionary

Trust me when I say I am no scholar on the Transfiguration or any Bible matters. I do know that these Scripture accounts have intrigued me for years. “He displayed the Light of Divine Nature that was concealed under His flesh.” And now, He lives in those of us who believe. He instructed us to let our light shine. I think He meant this Divine Light. As you look over the icon and perhaps pray with it may the Lord of all Knowledge open your minds and hearts to our Divine Jesus, come to transfigure us. As Associates we are asked to pray for the Sisters daily. Below is that prayer adapted from the Book of Common Prayer.

Prayer for the Community of the Transfiguration
O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, 
wonderfully transfigured in raiment white and glistening; 
Mercifully grant that the Sisters, 
being delivered from the disquietude of this world, 
may by faith behold the King in his beauty; 
who with you, O Father and you, 
O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, 
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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