by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

This past Sunday, the second Sunday in the Lenten Season, the Gospel tells us of the Transfiguration of Jesus.  This past Monday, we celebrated the Feast day of St. Patrick.

The Transfiguration of Jesus and the life of Saint Patrick may initially seem separate in the context of Christian teachings, yet both events and figures share themes of transformation, and have had a profound impact on the Christian faith.

So let us take some time to examine the significance of the Transfiguration, its connection to the legacy of Saint Patrick, and the influence both have had in Christian worship and doctrine. By definition, the word Transfiguration means, “a change in form or appearance: metamorphosis b: an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change.”

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ is one of the pivotal moments in the New Testament, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.  Jesus takes three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a high mountain, named Mount Tabor.  There, His appearance changes, and His face shines like the sun, with His garments becoming radiant and dazzling white.

Moses and Elijah appear alongside Him, conversing with Him. Then there is God’s voice coming from a bright cloud proclaiming, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” This emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ teachings and His role within the Holy Trinity…The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

Undoubtedly, the purpose of the Transfiguration of Jesus was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was.

Jesus underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization, though they could not fully comprehend it.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine nature, affirming His identity as the Son of God.  The appearance of Moses and Elijah represents the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), signifying the unity of Jesus’ mission with the Hebrew Scriptures.  It underscores the continuity from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

We know that the Transfiguration occurs shortly before Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He will face suffering and crucifixion.  It serves as a moment of encouragement for His disciples, preparing them for the trials that lie ahead.

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of the most widely recognized figures in Christianity, known for his role in converting the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century.  His life story, filled with trials and triumphs, is characterized by themes of transformation and divine calling.

Born in Britain around 385 AD, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen and taken to Ireland as a slave.  During his six years in captivity, he turned to Christianity, finding solace in prayer and deepening his faith.

After escaping back to Britain, Patrick had a vision that prompted him to return to Ireland to convert the Irish people.  Returning to Ireland around 432 AD, he would be ordained a priest and later a bishop. Patrick faced many challenges, including resistance from local chieftains and Druids who practiced paganism.

Utilizing his background and knowledge of Irish culture, he employed methods that connected with the people, such as using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Patrick was known for traveling throughout Ireland, baptizing thousands, ordaining clergy, and establishing churches. Saint Patrick’s life is a testament to personal transformation and divine intervention.

His journey from captivity to becoming a revered spiritual leader mirrors the theme of transformation seen in the Transfiguration of Jesus.  Just as the Transfiguration signifies a transformation through divine glory, Patrick’s life after captivity symbolizes spiritual resurrection.

His return to Ireland represents a mission to bring the light of Christ to a land shrouded in darkness. Saint Patrick showcased how Christianity could intersect with culture.

By using familiar symbols and integrating Christian teachings with local customs, he exemplified how faith can transform societies, much like Jesus’ teachings transformed the Jewish people during His ministry of faith.  St. Patrick’s conversion of the Irish people laid the foundation for Christianity in Ireland, leading to the establishment of monasteries and churches that became centers of learning and faith.

This reflects the broader impact of the Transfiguration as a turning point that inspired the disciples to carry the message of Jesus far and wide.

While the Transfiguration of Jesus and Saint Patrick’s life occurred many years apart and in different contexts, they share important parallels.  The Transfiguration transforms the understanding of Jesus’s identity among His disciples, while Saint Patrick’s life story embodies personal transformation through Christian faith.

Both emphasize the power  of divine revelation and the ability to change lives through acknowledgement and dedication to God.   The Transfiguration fortified the disciples for their upcoming challenges in spreading the Gospel, while Saint Patrick’s mission transformed Ireland into a center of Roman Catholic faith.

The Transfiguration of Jesus and the life of Saint Patrick remind believers of the power of faith and the importance of divine revelation.  The events encourage followers to embrace their faith, engage with culture, and seek transformation.

Today, as celebrations continue worldwide, be it for the Transfiguration, commemorated on August 6, or Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, these spiritual events serve as reminders of the promise of renewal, the call to listen to God, and the mission of Christians to spread the light of faith into the world.  Through the lives of Jesus and St. Patrick, believers are encouraged to experience their transformations and to share the message of hope and salvation with others.

According to Saint Pope Saint John Paul II in a 1999 homily, “In the event of the Transfiguration we contemplate the mysterious encounter between history, which is being built every day, and the blessed inheritance that awaits us in heaven in full union with Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

“We, pilgrims on earth, are granted to rejoice in the company of the transfigured Lord when we immerse ourselves in the things above through prayer and the celebration of the divine mysteries. But, like the disciples, we too must descend from Mount Tabor into daily life where human events challenge our faith. On the mountain we saw; on the paths of life, we are asked tirelessly to proclaim the Gospel which illuminates the steps of believers.”

The stories of the Transfiguration and Saint Patrick exemplify how faith and divine encounters can lead to a better understanding of one’s purpose and life in Christ and the power of faith.  Ultimately, we are encouraged as believers to embrace transformation, embrace the light, and reveal God’s holy glory in our lives and local communities.

This can be a daunting task in today’s challenging world and society.

Going back to our worldly affairs, sometimes we quickly lose sight and memory of our close encounter with God and the Holy Trinity.  It is essential that we endeavor to follow the light, and to turn away from the darkness.

In this time of Lent, now is the appointed time…turn away from sin and follow the light of God.  Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to transformation, with clarity and strength, so that we can be a light that shines in our local communities.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week….

Photo by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, November 2019.