The Transfiguration of Our Lord is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This event, occurring on a high mountain traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, provided a profound revelation of Jesus’ divine glory to three of His closest disciples: Peter, James, and John.
Jesus took these disciples up the mountain to pray. As He was praying, His appearance changed dramatically. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Jesus. These two figures represented the Law and the Prophets, symbolizing that Jesus was the fulfillment of both.
Peter, overwhelmed by the vision, suggested building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” The disciples fell to the ground in fear but were comforted by Jesus, who touched them and told them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw only Jesus.
The Transfiguration is a moment of divine revelation, affirming Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and providing the disciples with a foretaste of His resurrection glory. It strengthened their faith and prepared them for the challenges ahead, especially the suffering and death of Jesus.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Embrace the Divine Revelation: The Transfiguration teaches us the importance of being open to moments of divine revelation in our lives. Just as the disciples witnessed Jesus’ glory and heard God’s voice, we too should be attentive to God’s presence and guidance. This can happen through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. Being open to these moments can strengthen our faith and give us courage in our journey.Lesson 2: Listen to Jesus: God’s command to “Listen to Him” emphasizes the necessity of hearing and following Jesus’ teachings. In our daily lives, we can practice this by reading the Gospels, reflecting on Jesus’ words, and applying them to our actions and decisions. Listening to Jesus helps us align our lives with God’s will and grow in our discipleship.
Prayer for the Transfiguration of Our Lord:
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of Your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to Your servants, that, listening to the voice of Your beloved Son, we may merit to become co-heirs with Him. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
Sts. Sixtus II, Pope, Felicissimus & Agapitus (258), Martyrs
