Joy

As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.

Mt.9:9,10

Peter, James and John have just witnessed Jesus' transfiguration. They are sworn to secrecy about the event by Jesus until after he has "risen from the dead". This expression is new to the apostles.

Jesus is starting to reveal God's plan of redemption. It's so outrageous that even the first hints are unbelievable to the apostles. Rising from the dead? What could this mean? 

It's significant that Jesus first reveals that he will die after exposing his unfathomable, eternal glory. His death was not to be the end of his story. Our death is not the end of ours. In fact it is just the start of our story, our lives here on earth simply being the title page. No wonder we believers have an unquenchable joy that even death cannot smother. This joy is mine today and mine to share. Hallelujah!

Jesus, your transfigured glory is just a hint of what awaits me. I strain to join you my Lord, to stand around and talk with you like Moses and Elijah.

Saint Philip Neri at home in glory, please pray for us.