“And He was transformed before them.” (Matthew 17:2)
“And He was transformed before them. His countenance shone like the sun, and His garments became shining white like light” (Matthew 17:2)
Every encounter with a human being leaves an impression of his or her outer appearance, mostly so clear that this outer image is etched into our memory. Even when a person has died, this image stays with us; we still portray him the same way, whereas he has in reality left this form of existence behind long ago. We do that with everyone who has died, even if they have laid their mortal sheath aside a century ago. In reality, the dead are living in a very different world, in a very different appearance. I think we would be surprised if we were allowed to see them in their actual appearance. Would we still recognize them?
This is what we have also done for centuries with the human being Jesus Christ. We picture Him the way He lived on earth, the way He suffered and died on the cross. Countless times He has been represented in that way, as a mortal human being of flesh and blood. And then?
That is usually the end of our imagination. In pictures of the risen Christ we mostly see helpless efforts to express the unimaginable in earthly forms and colors.
That is not necessary, for once in His life He showed Himself in his true, immortal form—during the Transfiguration on the mountain. “And He was transformed before them. His countenance shone like the sun, and His garments became shining white like light.” That is the immortal Christ who comes to appearance in the mortal human being Jesus for a moment. Above the infinite loneliness of the Passion stands the infinite consolation of the Redeemer.
That which once came to appearance in Christ is a distant, promising future for us humans. In the words of the Apostle Paul:
“… we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” (1 Cor.15:52, RSV)
Maybe we should learn to view each human being in that way. For behind the mask of our earthly personality hides another human being. Once in a while we see a glimpse of this new human being in the sheen of the eyes, in a radiant face, or in a gesture of love. At such moments we suddenly realize: This is the real you.
In our deepest essence, every human being longs to be known, to be revealed, to come to appearance—freed from the enchantment of our perishable existence.
-Rev. Bastiaan Baan, March 16, 2025
Thanks Bastiaan.
This reflection is both humbling and uplifting—a reminder that what we see is only a glimpse of the deeper truth each soul carries. The idea that our true form, like Christ’s transfigured light, waits patiently behind our earthly image is a profound encouragement to look at others—and ourselves—with more reverence and compassion.
In a way, this speaks to every act of care and dignity we offer in our daily lives. Even in the quiet spaces of the home, where we bathe, prepare, and renew ourselves, we are tending to something sacred. It’s a perspective that’s shaped how I approach my own work throughhttps://goldbathroom.uk/ , where I’ve come to see that beauty and functionality in the home aren’t just comforts—they’re affirmations of worth.
Thank you for sharing such a moving and meaningful insight. It stays with you.
This reflection really stayed with me—especially the part about how we hold onto someone’s earthly image long after they’ve passed, even though their true form might be something far more radiant. It makes me wonder how often we miss seeing the divine or eternal in others because we’re focused only on the visible.
It’s also got me thinking about how the spaces we live in shape our sense of self and dignity. Lately, I’ve been wanting to create a more peaceful and intentional atmosphere at home—especially in everyday spaces like the bathroom. I came acrosshttps://goldbathroom.uk/ while browsing, and I’m curious: has anyone here made similar changes to their space in a way that supported spiritual or emotional wellbeing? Would love to hear your experiences or suggestions.
This reflection really moved me—especially the reminder that we often hold onto the outer image of others, forgetting the deeper, eternal essence within. The Transfiguration offers such a powerful glimpse of what we’re truly called to become. Thank you for this thoughtful and uplifting message.