This is the fourth article of a four-part series during January, which focuses on the Manifestation of Christ’s Divinity.
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Aug. 6. At the Transfiguration Jesus appeared in the glory of His identity as Son of the Father. In this magnificent mystery Jesus reveals the glory of God’s kingdom and the glory of God’s power.
From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master “began to show His disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.” A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 554)
For a moment, Jesus discloses His divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession. He also reveals that He will have to go by way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to “enter into
his glory.” Moses and Elijah have seen God’s glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets have announced the Messiah’s sufferings. Christ’s Passion is the will of the Father: The Son acts as God’s servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. “The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 555)”
Let us enter into the presence of the Holy Trinity as did Peter, James and John and humbly prostrate ourselves in our hearts before God’s majesty. Then listen attentively to each Person of the Holy Trinity say to us “rise!” Lovingly look each One of Them in the eyes and rest in Their embrace of love, comfort and healing. Let this intimate moment melt away our sinful and false self so that we can live in our true dignity and identity as a chosen child of God.
Here are some scriptural passages we can pray and contemplate as we ask the Holy Trinity to transform and transfigure us from sinners into saints…from darkness into His Glorious Light!
Meditate on Christ’s Transfiguration: Ask God the Father to transform and transfigure you in His Light of Love. “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, ‘This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” (2 Pet 1:17)
Meditate on Christ’s Passion: Ask Jesus Crucified to show you the areas where you are in sin. Ask for the grace of humility then repent and live in His Light of Truth. “Then he said to all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” (Lk 9:23-24)
Meditate on Christ’s Resurrection: Ask the Holy Spirit to transform you into another Christ by the power of His Light of Grace. “All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)