Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Bright lights and voices from heaven usually draw our attention. This moment revealed more than just God’s power and glory: it was a glimpse into the life that God reveals regularly. While we hear of three moments of glory in our readings today, we also recognize that there is the glory of the generations of believers sharing the prophetic message of God that transforms and changes us even today. It is a moment when we recognize that we, too, are God’s beloved. It is a moment when we rise from darkness to see God’s glory in our hearts. It is a moment when we choose to proclaim our identity as a child of God and share the glory of the Lord growing daily in our hearts.

We possess the prophetic message; we are the present-day eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty. We, too, behold Christ’s glory and hear the voice proclaiming our identity. However, we need eyes of faith, ears to be open, and feet that move forward on the journey to reveal glimpses of God’s goodness through us to others.

The disciples probably thought Jesus was merely taking them up a mountain to pray, as he did on many occasions. We are taken up this mountain each Eucharist. Let us remain open to whatever God has in store for us. Shine the light of faith to others so that we may show forth the glory of God. Christ’s transfiguration prepared the disciples for Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. May today’s Eucharist, today’s transfiguration, prepare us again for all those dark and sad moments, not losing hope in God’s glory and leading us to our next mountain experience and, finally, the banquet of heaven.

Prayer

Transform us, O God, as you transfigured your Son! Lead us to the sacred mountain to reveal your light and meaning. Help us live as your Body. Lead us toward the pathways where love may grow. Through Christ our Lord. Inspired by the text by Sylvia Dunstan, © Copyright 1993, GIA Publications, Inc.