[Greek] μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō), [Latin] transfiguare, [Latin] reformare, [Latin] transformare, [French] restauer: to transform to transfigure, to change; Mt.17:2, Mk.9:2, Rom.12:2, 2Cor.3:18
The question is: “Do we become transformed to God’s will or do we conform to the present age?”
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to change into another form, to have an outward change in appearance, to change into something different, and to become different.
Transformation/transfiguration: The belief that gods and spirits can transform themselves and demonstrate this power is widespread in religion. The dominant motif is that the gods draw near to men, changing themselves into earthly beings. On the other hand, the initiate seeks to be god-like, being free from the limitations of natural matter. In Jewish apocalyptic mysticism, a change of form is one of the gifts of eschatological salvation one receives after the resurrection. The appearance of one’s face will be transformed into radiant beauty.
New Testament: This term means to change, to transform, and to transfigure (change appearance). Jesus’ appearance is changed into that of a heavenly being. Paul makes reference to the Christian who is transformed in being able to understand the will of God. Paul warns others about conforming to the present age. Christians are being transformed to behold and to reflect His glory.
Scripture:
“And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light.” Mt.17:2
The Jews see the transfiguration as a manifestation of Jewish eschatology.
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom. 12:2
Paul makes reference of being transformed in seeing the glory of God. This new vision is made possible through the Holy Spirit. Paul warns against conforming to the present age. Rather, the gospel invites believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices.
“All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2Cor.3:18
Christians are like Moses standing in God’s presence, beholding and reflecting His glory. Gazing is like contemplating in a mirror (which is Christ Himself).
Etymology: The Latin verb transfiguare means to change the shape of a form (figura). The Latin verb reformare means to convert into or to restore into another or better form. The Latin verb transformare means to change the form of. The French verb restaurer means to restore or to refresh. The French noun restaurant originally meant food that restores.
Conclusion:
Transfigure, transfiguration, metamorphosis, reform, reformation, transform, transformation, rest, restaurant
In the Greco-Roman world, there are numerous myths, sagas, and morality plays about the transformation between gods and men. Stoicism is a secular philosophy of seeking virtue, personal, ethics, self-control, and fortitude. Interestingly, Christianity share some of these same principles and values.
The Jewish perspectives on transfiguration (transformation) helps to shed some background and understanding on the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Paul warns each of us to not be conformed to the present age. This warning is all the more applicable in this present-day post Christian society. Many in this culture have lost sight of our bodies being living sacrifices. Rather, the unborn are being sacrificed on the altar of convenience (rights).
Update: The definition of the word ‘recession’ seems to keep changing.
Catholics and Christians who uphold and defend traditional teachings against abortion are now being called hateful and extreme. (These critics are conforming to the present age).
Now being pro-life is changing into becoming hateful.
Many have lost sight of or even ignored the traditional Christian prohibition against abortion.
Many politicians (from both parties) have transfigured into long-lasting political swamp creatures in Washington DC. (President Biden is a pre-eminent example.) That is not a good thing!
Unfortunately, some Church leaders (perhaps hesitant to confront the present age) have not done enough to speak out against abortion.
Unfortunately, some churches and church leaders, (conforming to the present age), have watered down or changed their teachings in order to accommodate the secular world. (Gay marriage and transgenderism)
The Democratic (and Progressive parties) are now changing into the parties of the culturally elite and woke.
The Republican party is now becoming the party of the working class and Hispanics.
In the Catholic Church, the younger generations are becoming more attracted to the TLM (Traditonal Latin Mass). They are attracted to the silence, reverence, and devotion.
The current leadership of the Catholic Church, changing into old fogies, are clamping down on the TLM because it is ‘divisive’. (This is more of an indictment of the New Mass which is failing to attract the younger generation).
The Catholic can gaze at Jesus in the Eucharistic tabernacle at the local Catholic church
There are times when circumstances forces one to change. However, there are many of us who have become transformed in becoming hypocrites in our thinking and attitudes. Sometimes, we cannot really see others with that beam in our eye. We also say one thing and do another. And often in conforming to these actions, our ‘rewards’ are hypocrisy, foolishness, mockery, and ridicule.
Next post: being a hypocrite