In the days that followed Palm Sunday, Christ would confront the disgusting corruption of Israel. He would cleanse the temple of idolatry by overturning the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons for sacrifice. He would expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by denying their legitimacy,

And we are indeed a people who need this reminder. We are so prone to judge by appearances. When we see weakness, we assume defeat. When we see suffering, we assume God is absent. But the Transfiguration teaches us that humiliation does not nullify glory. The cross will not revoke Christ’s kingship. The One who will be lifted up in shame is the same One whose face shines like the sun.