Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today we celebrate the glorious Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord. Just prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus began to reveal to his disciples that he would suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, be killed, and then rise on the third day. This must have caused much fear and uncertainty for the disciples. Jesus then invited Peter, James, and John to go with him to the top of Mount Tabor to pray. As they made the difficult journey, their minds must have been pondering not only the mighty deeds done by Jesus but also his words about the suffering to come. As they struggled with this, much to their amazement, Jesus “was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared before them. But then things went even further. The voice of the Father himself thundered and said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Saint Peter Julian Eymard taught that the Blessed Sacrament is our present-day Mount Tabor, allowing us to behold, adore, and partake in the transfigured, risen Christ hidden beneath the appearance of bread and wine. “Let us love this feast of the Transfiguration. It is entirely Eucharistic. Come to this hallowed mountain on which Jesus is transfigured… Come, and by your self-denial, be transfigured into Jesus Christ in His Sacrament while waiting to be transfigured into Jesus Christ in his heavenly glory.” (The Real Presence (The Eucharistic Transfiguration), Saint Peter Julian Eymard, edited by Paul A. Boer, Sr., p. 283.)
Be transfigured by the Eucharist today and then take that light out into the world!
Let Us Pray:
Radiant Christ, who shone with glory on the mountain, let me see you clearly today, not just in the awe of holy moments, but in the middle of my ordinary life. Open my eyes to who you truly are, and in seeing you, begin to change me. Shape my thoughts, soften my heart, and help me reflect your image. Even when the world around me feels dim, may your presence be my clarity and hope. Transform me by your love, until I shine a little more like you. Amen. (Reclaim Today – Prayer for Transfiguration)
