Sunday Dive

Episode 022: The Transfiguration and the Tabernacle (Mass Readings for Mar. 8, 2020)

Episode Summary

In this episode we discuss the story of the Transfiguration. On the mountain of Transfiguration Jesus shows forth his Divinity for Peter, James, and John to see. Theologians have often associated the Transfiguration with Jesus’ passion. We’ll look at how the two episodes are related and also explore the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which gives meaning to St. Peter’s often misunderstood exclamation and links Jesus’ passion to the raising up of a new Temple, his body.

Episode Notes

Bibliography/Resources

• The Gospel of Matthew (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture Series)
• The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
• Jesus of Nazareth (Volume I) by Pope Benedict XVI
• A Rabbi Talks With Jesus by Jacob Neusner
• The Temple: Its Ministry and Services by Alfred Ederscheim
• Mass Readings Explained by Brant Pitre

References

• Exodus 24 - Moses climbs Mt. Sinai with Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu
• Exodus 34:29ff - Moses' face is said to shine after conversing with God
• Matthew 3:17 - At the Baptism by John, God the Father speaks almost the exact words that he does at the Transfiguration
• Jude 1:9 - "But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'"
• Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows the place of his burial to this day."
• 2 Kings 2:11 - "And as they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."
• John 2:18-21 - "The Jews then said to him, “What sign have you to show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he spoke of the temple of his body."