What can we learn from these symbols?
- Jesus is connected to Moses and Elijah. The latter are the greatest figures in the Old Testament: Moses is the lawgiver and the greatest of prophets, while Elijah is regarded as the precursor of the Messiah.
- The scene happens in a mountain, often associated with God's presence and where God's revelation takes place; both Moses and Elijah climbed a mountain.
- The "bright cloud" and "white as light" suggest God's presence and heavenly realities.
Finally, and this provides the clue to the gospel's message, the tents that Peter wishes to build is associated with the Feast of Tabernacles (one of the three most important feasts in the Jewish calendar).
During this feast (also referred to as the Feast of Tents or Booths), small tents are built and meals are taken inside. (See the picture here for a contemporary tent used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles).
It recalls the forty years' journey through the desert where they lived in tents and other makeshift shelter. Importantly, the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the largest tent to remind them of God's presence and protection.
It recalls the forty years' journey through the desert where they lived in tents and other makeshift shelter. Importantly, the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the largest tent to remind them of God's presence and protection.
Peter's plan to build three tents recalls this Old Testament experience and foreshadows the age when all nations will be under God's reign and protection. This is also Matthew's way of connecting Jesus to the Kingdom of God envisioned in the Old Testament -- that Jesus is not against the Jewish faith, as many thought, but that He focused on the original and pure intent of the Law which is to love and forgive. Jesus also expands God's reign from the Jews, the chosen people, to all of humanity.
This may also be the reason why the disciples were "very much afraid," that is, the demand of Jesus is great.
Other Trivia:
- The other two most important Jewish feasts are the Passover (commemorating the day Yahweh freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery) and the Feast of the Weeks (to remember the day Yahweh gave them the Law at Mount Sinai).
Sources:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, A Kingdom for All (Makati: St. Paul's Publications), 224-226.
- Raymond E. Brown et al (eds), The New Jerome Biblical Commentary (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990), 660.
*See this site for image of a contemporary tent used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles:
http://www.wherejesuswalked.org/blog/events/the-feast-of-tabernacles-is-proof-of-god%E2%80%99s-promise-and-love-for-christians
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Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
1 comment:
Nice blog Sir Manny! Keep it up. God bless po. :)
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