Feast of Transfiguration August 06, 2023
Daniel 7, 9-10, 13-`14; 2 Peter 1, 16-19; Matt 17, 1-9
A poor illiterate man wanted to be baptized. The parish priest asked him many questions to see whether he was fit for baptism. “Where was Jesus born? How many apostles did he have? How many years did he live? Where did he die? The poor man knew nothing of all these questions. Irritated, the priest then said, “At least you know prayers like the Our Father and the I Believe”? The man again shook his head. “What do you know then?” asked the priest flabbergasted. The man explained, “Before I met Jesus I was a drunkard who beat up my wife and children; I lost my job and was wasting my life.” Then he continued, “But after encountering Jesus, I’ve quit drinking. I work hard and have begun to love my family. For me Jesus is my personal Saviour!”
Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, we are presented with a profound and transformative event in the life of Jesus Christ. This event, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offers us a glimpse into the divine nature of our Lord and His mission on Earth. The Transfiguration reminds us of the glory of God, the significance of revelation, and the call to discipleship.
In the midst of our ordinary lives, we are often caught up in the struggles, worries, and routines that can sometimes obscure our understanding of God's presence. However, on that mountaintop, Jesus revealed His divine glory to His closest disciples – Peter, James, and John. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzlingly white. This transfiguration was not merely a spectacle; it was a revelation of Jesus' true nature as the Son of God, radiating with divine light.
The Transfiguration reminds us that God's glory is not something distant or unattainable. Rather, it is a reality that can break into our lives when we open our hearts to Him. It invites us to see beyond the surface of things, to recognize the divine presence in the midst of our everyday experiences. Just as Jesus' glory was revealed on that mountaintop, God's glory can shine forth in the midst of our struggles, joys, and challenges.
Moreover, the Transfiguration underscores the importance of listening to Jesus, the beloved Son of God. As the voice from the cloud declared, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" This command echoes throughout the ages, inviting us to pay attention to the teachings of Jesus, to heed His words of love, compassion, and justice. In a world filled with noise and distractions, the Transfiguration reminds us to make space for silence and prayer, so that we can truly hear and understand the voice of God speaking to us through His Son.
Furthermore, the Transfiguration serves as a preparation for the disciples, as well as for us, to face the challenges that lie ahead. After witnessing this glorious event, the disciples were called to descend from the mountaintop and engage with the brokenness of the world. Similarly, we are called to take the insights gained from moments of spiritual clarity and apply them in our daily lives. The experience of God's presence should inspire us to be agents of transformation, bringing light to places of darkness, hope to places of despair, and love to places of hatred.
Dear friends, as we contemplate the Feast of the
Transfiguration, let us be reminded of the transformative power of encountering
the divine. Just as Jesus' face shone with radiant glory, may our lives radiate
with the light of Christ's love. Let us listen attentively to His teachings and
respond to His call to be His disciples in the world. And may the grace of this
feast sustain us as we journey from the mountaintop of spiritual experiences to
the valleys of everyday life, carrying the message of hope, redemption, and
salvation to all we meet.
May the glory of the Transfigured Christ illuminate our hearts and guide our steps.
Happy Sunday
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