The appearance of his face was altered

I have often wondered why the disciples on the way to Emmaus, in St Luke’s Gospel, did not recognize Jesus when he walked along with them. So when I read the translation of this week’s Gospel also in Luke 9: 28-36 ‘And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.’ I was struck by the phrase ‘the appearance of his face was altered’.

Is it that Jesus’ glorified body is altered? St. John Chrysostom thought so! He argued that Jesus’ resurrected body had undergone a transformation, making Him different from His pre-crucifixion appearance. That raises an interesting reflection- does the resurrected Jesus come to us at different times, in an altered appearance?

Perhaps He comes to us in the stranger seeking help, in the friend offering comfort, or in the moments of grace we only perceive in hindsight. Just as the disciples’ eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread, we, too, may only recognize Christ’s presence when we reflect on the wonders of our lives.

This challenges us to remain attentive, knowing that the glorified Christ is not confined to a single appearance but continues to meet us in unexpected ways.

Peter, James and John recognized Jesus, despite his altered appearance, because they had accompanied him up the mountain. I believe we too can learn to recognize Him, if we journey and pray with Him. Our eyes can also be opened.

Today, in an age dominated by science, reason, and a preference for literal thinking, we have largely lost our sense of the supernatural and the mysterious ways God moves in our lives. Yet, despite this, I see in younger generations a deep longing for something beyond the tangible—a search for wonder, and transcendence.

This hunger reveals itself in the popular movies, that shows a desire for a reality greater than what can be measured or explained. If we approach this week’s Gospel with an open mind and heart, we begin to see that they are not merely historical accounts or moral teachings but invitations into a world where the supernatural breaks into the ordinary.

The miracles, the encounters with the glorified Jesus, and the transformation of lives all point to a deeper truth: God is still at work, and the supernatural is not a relic of the past but a living reality for those willing to see beyond the superficial.

Friend, I encourage you to make this Lent a journey into the supernatural and transcendence. Search for the glorified Jesus Christ beyond the ordinary. Look for miracles and wonders in your life, they still happen, if we only have eyes to see.

I invite you to visit my pastoral website by clicking this link Pastoral Website LINK where you can find spiritual resources to empower you on your journey. Thank you for walking with me along this road of sowing the seeds of the Gospel, I appreciate your company.