Today's Gospel story comes at a special point in the Gospel. Just before it took place, Peter, speaking in the name of his fellow-disciples, had proclaimed that Jesus their Master was no less than the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It was a high point in their relationship with Jesus. But almost immediately Jesus began to tell them what was going to happen to him. He was going to be arrested, made to suffer and to die at the hands of the leaders of their people. It came as a terrible shock; it made no sense. Then Jesus tells them that they also have to ready to meet a similar fate. They must have been terribly depressed.

Then, Jesus brings three of them - Peter, James and John - and briefly they see Jesus in glory, so bright they can hardly look at him. With him are Moses and Elijah, representing the whole Jewish tradition, endorsing everything that Jesus has been saying. Then a cloud, representing the presence of God himself, comes down. A voice is heard: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am very happy. Listen to him." Yes, they are to listen to everything that Jesus has told them, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. We, too, must continue listening to everything Jesus tells us through the events in our lives.