Navigating Change: Lessons from the Transfiguration for Effective Leadership and Personal Growth

As we journey through the second week of Lent, the Gospel narratives invite us to contemplate the profound mystery of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This pivotal event, recounted in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offers deep insights into the nature of Christ's divinity and the transformative power of encountering God's glory.

The Transfiguration serves as a remarkable moment of revelation, as Jesus is transfigured before the eyes of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. His appearance changes, and he is joined by the figures of Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets respectively. As they witness this extraordinary sight, a bright cloud envelops them, and they hear the voice of God declaring Jesus as His beloved Son, commanding them to listen to Him.

In Matthew and Luke's Gospel, both Moses and Elijah talked about his form of departure which the word exodus is used. This has multiple meanings which support each other. Firstly it is to show how Jesus would lead the new exodus from Jerusalem. While Moses liberated the Israelites from their slavery and bondage in Egypt so would Jesus liberate them from the bondage of sin. Secondly, it would also mean the departure from death, hinting about his eventual death since the only way for one to conquer death is to go there. Hence Christ's suffering and death are not an accident but an accomplishment since they release us from the bondage of earthly life into the liberty of eternal life

This event holds profound significance for our Lenten journey. It underscores the importance of encountering God's presence in moments of revelation and transformation. Like the disciples, we are called to be attentive and receptive to the divine encounters that unfold in our lives, even when they challenge our understanding and stretch our faith. This extraordinary event underscores the significance of Jesus' identity as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets and serves as a preview of His eventual glory.

Moreover, the Transfiguration highlights the selective nature of vulnerability and the sharing of power in our spiritual journey. Considering that the Transfiguration happened shortly after Simon Peter confession of faith( also after Chair of St Peter Feast Day on 22nd Feb), Jesus chose to reveal His glory to only a few trusted disciples who would eventually lead the Christian community, demonstrating the importance of discernment and discretion in sharing sensitive aspects of our identity. In a world where vulnerability is often perceived as weakness, Jesus models a different approach—one grounded in trust and intimacy, where vulnerability is shared only with those who have earned our trust and support. By being eyewitnesses to the transfiguration, they are given some form of validation of Jesus' divine authority. This intentional act of vulnerability underscores the importance of discernment and discretion in sharing sensitive experiences or insights with others. Not everyone is equipped to understand or appreciate the depths of our spiritual journey, and it is crucial to discern whom we invite into those sacred spaces of transformation.

The difficulty of change is also illuminated in the Transfiguration narrative and the second week of Lent. Peter's initial response—to build three booths and prolong the experience—reflects the human tendency to resist change and cling to the familiar by extending the stay of Elijah and Moses, even when faced with the prospect of growth and transformation. Yet, true transformation requires us to embrace the discomfort of uncertainty and fear and relinquish our attachment to the past. It is a process that challenges our preconceived notions and calls us to step out in faith, trusting in God's guiding presence even when the path ahead seems daunting. One of the biggest misconceptions of change is that it always needs to involve dismantling traditions and dismissing old wisdom but Jesus shows us that that is not always the case as he is not here to abolish the old laws but to fulfill them. Change can also mean creating transitions, connecting the dots forward, and completing unfinished businesses.

As we reflect on the Transfiguration during this Lenten season, let us consider the importance of being selective in our vulnerability, discerning in our encounters with the divine, and courageous in embracing the transformative journey of change. By embracing change, exercising discernment in vulnerability management, and employing effective change management methodologies, we can navigate the complexities of change and realize our full potential for growth and transformation in both personal and professional spheres.

For the Catholic community, may we draw strength from the example of Jesus, who reveals His glory to us in moments of revelation and calls us to listen to His voice, guiding us onward in faith and love.