The Transfiguration of the Lord 2024

The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Transfiguration of the Lord: A Glorious Revelation

As we approach the Feast of the Transfiguration, it is a time for reflection, celebration, and deepening our understanding of this pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ. Found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Transfiguration is a profound event where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory. Let us explore the significance of this feast, its scriptural foundation, and how it invites us to engage more deeply with our faith.

The Transfiguration in the Bible

The Transfiguration is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Here, we focus on the account from the Gospel of Matthew:

Matthew 17:1-8 (NRSV CE)

"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Get up and do not be afraid.' And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone."

Celebrating the Feast

The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th. This feast commemorates the revelation of Christ’s divine glory before His disciples, affirming His identity as the Son of God. It is a moment that reminds us of the ultimate glory of Jesus and the promise of our own transformation in Him.

Why We Celebrate

The Transfiguration is celebrated to:

1. Affirm Jesus' Divinity: This event highlights the divine nature of Jesus, confirming Him as the Son of God.
2. Foreshadow the Resurrection: The Transfiguration prefigures the glory of the Resurrection, offering hope and assurance of Christ’s victory over death.
3. Encourage Faith: Witnessing Jesus' transfiguration strengthens the faith of the disciples, and by extension, our own faith as believers.

Parental Affirmation and God’s Love

In the Transfiguration, God the Father’s words, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased,” echo the importance of parental affirmation. Just as God the Father affirms Jesus, parents are called to affirm their children, recognising their inherent worth and guiding them in their spiritual journey.

Engaging with the Holy Trinity

In reflecting on the Transfiguration, we can ponder these questions:

• How can I seek to see the divine glory in the everyday moments of my life?
• In what ways can I affirm and encourage those around me, as God affirms Jesus?

A Prayer for the Feast

Let us pray with the words of St. John Chrysostom:

"O Christ our God, who was transfigured on the mount and revealed Your glory to Your disciples as they were able to bear it, shine upon us with the light of Your countenance. Let Your everlasting light illumine us and guide us on the path of righteousness, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen."

Invitation to Celebrate

We invite you to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration in your parish, homes, and community. Attend Mass, participate in communal prayers, and reflect on the divine glory revealed in Jesus. Let this feast inspire us to seek transformation in our own lives, affirming the divine presence within us and those we encounter.

May the Feast of the Transfiguration deepen our faith and draw us closer to the divine mystery of the Holy Trinity.