The ancient Hebrews believed that words have power, and they were correct. Once a word is spoken, we cannot call it back. Perhaps we have said something that hurt someone and have then apologized. Even though that person might forgive us, the wound or scar remains. We can also see the beautiful effects of kind and encouraging words on others. By the words we utter each day - most of them carelessly - we add to the total of evil in the world or the total of light and goodness. A good exercise for us is to pay very close attention to our words and their effect on others for a 24-hour period.

In the Gospel, Peter is dazzled and stunned by what he sees on the mountain top. Jesus is surrounded by brilliant light, and is talking to Moses and Elijah. Peter wants desperately to build a shrine or memorial to the experience, but Jesus has a surprise in store for them. He insists that they tell no one until after He has risen from the dead. All of this glory and exaltation involves suffering and struggle.

Often we find it difficult to find God in the midst of our struggles, and we might even be tempted to think of ourselves as rejected or abandoned. This passage, however, shows us that the messengers of God are hidden in our midst, and that our struggles have deep spiritual significance. The radiant and transfigured Christ is what we will become, but we must first follow in the footsteps of the Master - joyfully and filled with faith.