Gospel in Art: The appearance of his face was altered

Among the Sierra Nevada by Albert Bierstadt,1868 © Smithsonian American Art Museum

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 March 2025
Luke 9:28b-36

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah' - not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!' And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Reflection on the painting

Many of us have likely stood on the summit of a mountain at some point in our lives. Standing there, we often experience a profound sense of distance from the world below, a peaceful detachment from the busyness of everyday life. It was to such a place that Jesus led three of his disciples to pray, away from the crowds and distractions. As He prayed, something extraordinary happened: "the appearance of his face changed." In that moment, Jesus heard his Father's voice calling Him in love: "This is my Son, my Chosen One." There's something deeply human about hearing our name spoken with love-it transforms us. Our faces light up, and our hearts are lifted. Conversely, when we encounter hostility or rejection, the opposite effect is visible-our features darken, and sadness takes hold. We see this contrast vividly in images from war-torn regions, where countless faces reflect grief and suffering.

On the mountain, Jesus was being strengthened for what lay ahead: the journey into the valley, where suffering and sacrifice awaited Him. The disciples, however, struggled to grasp this reality. When the voice from heaven commanded, "Listen to him!" it was a call for them to heed Jesus' words about the necessity of his suffering and death, words they found difficult to accept. They hesitated to come down from the mountain, reluctant to face the challenging road that awaited them.

As followers of Jesus, we too live between the mountain and the valley-between moments of prayerful encounter with God and the daily challenges of life and work. We tend to spend far more time in the valley than on the mountain. Yet, the mountain of prayer is essential. It's where we step back, quieten our hearts, and simply be in God's presence, allowing his love to transform us and strengthen us for whatever the valley may bring.

'Among the Sierra Nevada, California' by Albert Bierstadt is a breathtaking depiction the majestic landscapes of the American mountains and valleys. Painted in 1868, the artwork captures the grandeur and serenity of the Sierra Nevada mountains with remarkable detail and luminosity. The scene is bathed in a golden, ethereal light, reflecting Bierstadt's signature use of light and atmosphere to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. In the foreground, tranquil waters mirror the towering peaks and lush greenery, while a group of deer grazes peacefully, adding a sense of harmony between nature and wildlife. The snow-capped mountains rise dramatically in the background, framed by soft clouds and a vast, open sky. Bierstadt's painting not only showcases his technical mastery but also embodies the romantic idealisation of the American frontier, inspiring viewers with the untouched beauty and vastness of the natural world.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-9-28b-36-2025/ (with audio)