After the events on the mountain, Jesus, Peter, John, and James return to their lives. Immediately they are met by a great crowd. A father in agony over his son’s malady approaches and begs for his son to be healed from the seizures that have convulsed him. His heart and soul long for his son’s wellness.

Jesus, fresh from being enveloped by the light of God, heals the son by rebuking a demon. The true identity of Jesus continues to shine through. When he heard, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” he returned to the people who walked in darkness. That led to his immersion in the great crowds of those who were hungry, thirsty, sick, lonely, and frightened.

Luke doesn’t mention Peter, John, and James in the story of healing, but I can imagine their watching what happens. I imagine their realizing that, despite their desire to stay on the mountain and build three dwellings, they are learning anew and at a deeper level that deep prayer always opens us to loving action. Deep prayer—prayer in which we listen with our whole being and receive the light of Christ—will inevitably lead us, step by step, to the places where we can offer compassion and hope.

Just as Jesus is transfigured, so are we—through our baptism, our Communion, our prayer. We are led by the Friend who goes before us, preparing good works for us to accomplish.