Sunday Gospel Commentaries for St. James BECs

Second Sunday of Lent
March 1, 2026

Matthew 17:1-9, The Transfiguration

Gospel:

1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Commentary:

1. The Setting and the Witnesses (v. 1–2)

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John—his inner circle—up a “high mountain.” In biblical theology, mountains are locations of divine revelation (think Sinai). The transformation described as metamorphōthē (transfigured) is not a change in substance, but a pulling back of the veil. His face shining like the sun and clothes becoming white as light signify the unveiled glory of God dwelling within him.

2. The Great Conversation (v. 3)

Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets. Their presence validates that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Jewish Scripture. They are not competing with Jesus; they are testifying to him.

3. Peter’s Reaction (v. 4)

Peter’s desire to build three “shelters” (tabernacles) suggests he wanted to prolong the moment or perhaps place Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. He falls into the human trap of wanting to capture the “glory” without going through the “cross” that Jesus had just predicted in the previous chapter.

4. The Divine Voice (v. 5–8)

A bright cloud—the Shekinah glory of God—overshadows them. The Father’s voice echoes the baptism of Jesus but adds a critical command: *”Listen to him!”

This command elevates Jesus’ authority above the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). When the disciples look up, they see “no one except Jesus.” He is the final word.

5. The Messianic Secret (v. 9)

As they descend, Jesus instructs them to keep the vision a secret until the Resurrection. This is because the Transfiguration cannot be fully understood apart from the Cross. Glory without sacrifice is a misunderstanding of his mission.

Reflection Questions

For Personal Growth

1. The “Mountain” vs. the “Valley”: We all have “mountain-top” spiritual experiences. How do you maintain your faith when you have to descend back into the “valley” of daily chores, stress, and routine?
   
2. Selective Listening: God the Father commands us to “Listen to him.” Which of Jesus’ teachings do you find hardest to listen to or obey right now?

For Practical Application

1. The Temptation to Stay: Peter wanted to stay on the mountain in a booth. Are there areas in your life where you are “playing it safe” in a spiritual comfort zone instead of following Jesus into the difficult work of the world?