I had the opportunity to learn about Jesus’ life before entering the seminary because of the catechism I had in elementary school and my involvement in the parish. These opportunities allowed me to see glimpses of Jesus’ life, including his birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. But like the disciples who saw it, the seminary provided me with a deeper understanding of Him. Knowing and encountering Jesus each day is indeed a priceless gift. It is similar to being in Peter, James, and John’s position when they were granted this exceptional opportunity.

In the Gospel, the three apostles had the firsthand experience of not just seeing Jesus transfigured but being able to see Elijah and Moses as well. Also, a message was given to them, telling that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. They were also told not to tell anyone what they saw unless they had already witnessed His resurrection. He was preparing their hearts as the great revelation of His passion would soon unfold right before their eyes, leading to the path of glory.

As a priest-in-process, it challenges me to enter into a deeper understanding of Jesus. The seminary life is an invitation for me to journey with Him and be blessed by His example. As in the Gospel, climbing mountains would mean overcoming and reaching the pinnacle of surrender to His Holy will after overcoming a ton of obstacles. Being enlightened by His significance in our lives and knowing that He is indeed the Son of God is an everyday “transfiguration” experience.

By: Sem. Peter John D. Arao

Gospel: Mark 9: 2-13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
then from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Then they asked him,
“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things,
yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man
that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?
But I tell you that Elijah has come
and they did to him whatever they pleased,
as it is written of him.”