THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (FEAST)

We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven. 

Think of the number of times a court case has been won because of compelling eyewitness testimony.   Or think about how someone’s personal story about their faith has stirred your own faith.   Clearly, eyewitnesses carry a lot of weight!

In today’s second reading, Peter offers his eyewitness testimony about the Transfiguration so that his readers could deepen their belief that Jesus Christ is Lord.   It wasn’t a “cleverly devised myth,” he assures them.   No, Peter was there in person and saw Jesus, a flesh-and-blood person himself, appear in “majestic glory” on Mount Tabor (2 Peter 1:16, 17).

Though Jesus isn’t with us in the same way he was with Peter, he is still revealing his glory to his people today—and you have experienced this reality.   Every time you see the priest lifting up the Host at Mass, you are witnessing Jesus’ glory.   Every time you hear the priest in Confession say, “I absolve you of your sins,” you are experiencing it.   Every time you witness a child, or an adult for that matter, being baptized, Jesus’ glory shines through.   It doesn’t usually involve flashing lights or a full-out vision of Elijah and Moses.   It’s a veiled glory, but it’s just as real nonetheless.

And that means that like Peter, you have a story to tell, a story of faith and a story of encounter with the Lord during Mass or Confession.   That story could stir someone else to seek the Lord more deeply.

So maybe you could observe this feast of the Transfiguration by recalling a situation in which you felt moved by God’s presence or his glory.   Revisit that situation in your memory and ask if there’s anyone you could share it with.   Maybe a friend or family member who has fallen away from the faith could be uplifted.

We won’t see the transfigured Christ until the day when we meet him face-to-face.   But isn’t it amazing that day after day, Jesus continues to reveal his glory through the sacraments?

“Jesus, open my eyes and help me to see your glory today!”

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Matthew 17:1-9