A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (9:28-36)
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up a mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
REFLECTION: In the midst of life’s often, chaotic and noisy landscape, the Transfiguration of Our Lord, reminds us of precious moments, when God’s glory shines through, and is also a call for all Christians, to take time, away from the business of our daily chores, routines, and fears, to truly listen to His beloved Son.
Today’s Gospel opening says, Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray.” Went where??? A mountain top! To what??? To pray! It is in moments of great surrendering to God, best in the stillness of our day, and in prayer, that we may come to experience His presence, as if He was right there, with us, like Psalm 46:10 says; “Be still and know that I am God”. Just as the disciples were astonished, by the radiant transformation of Jesus, we too, must open our hearts to encounter God, in ways that surpass our understanding. The event on Mount Tabor, reminds us, that Jesus is not merely a great teacher, or a prophet, but the Son of God, the promised Messiah.
In our busy lives, it is crucial to set aside time, for prayer and reflection, seeking moments of spiritual renewal, and allowing God’s light, to illuminate our hearts. Through prayer and contemplation, we can experience, a personal encounter with Christ, drawing us closer to the divine reality, that sustains our faith. An opportunity of listening to God’s voice, as the disciples stood in awe, and heard a voice from the cloud that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
In our journey of faith, we encounter various distractions and conflicting messages, that can lead us astray. However, God calls us, to focus our attention on Christ, the Word made flesh. By attentively listening to His teachings, we can gain insights into living a life of love, compassion, and justice. As we follow Jesus’ example, we become bearers of God’s light, radiating His light, His love to the world, and becoming agents of transformation, in our communities. Bearers of God’s light are words that resonate to our baptism, when the priest or deacon, presents the baptized with the “Light of Christ”, to be the Light of Christ, to others.
The Transfiguration of the Lord also prepares us for the crosses, and challenges of life. After the extraordinary experience on Mount Tabor, Jesus instructs His disciples, not to speak of it, until He has risen from the dead. This instruction points, to the coming crucifixion and resurrection, reminding us, that the path of discipleship, many times involves moments of hardship and sacrifice. Just as Jesus willingly faced the Cross, we too must embrace our crosses with faith, trusting that God’s glory will be revealed, through our trials. In times of darkness, let us remember the glorious Transfiguration, and find solace in the hope of Christ’s resurrection, knowing that through our struggles, we are united with Him, and participate in the triumph of eternal life.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Look for a sacred space today and sit there quietly for a while – you dictate how much time, you will give Him. And in that stillness, contemplate and reflect, on the Transfiguration of the Lord. What or how, does it speak to you? Then, in prayer ask Him, to inspire you to seek God’s presence in your life; to help you listen to His voice; and to help you, embrace the challenges of your earthly journey, with untiring faith, until the glory of the Lord, is fully revealed to you.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
