Today is August 6, Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
We read at today’s Mass, “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” (Lk 9:28-29).
Today, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, we are invited to climb the mountain with Christ and behold his glory. In a flash of radiant light, Jesus is revealed — not just as teacher and healer, but as the glorious Son of God, clothed in divine majesty. And the Gospel tells us something stunning: Moses and Elijah appear with him, speaking of his “exodus” — his passion, death and resurrection — soon to unfold in Jerusalem.
Why does Jesus reveal his glory in this way?
Strengthened by a vision of hope
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that Christ was transfigured to “show men his glory and to arouse in them a desire for it.” In other words, this dazzling moment on the mountain was meant to awaken thirst — a longing for the eternal glory that awaits those who follow him.
What is even more remarkable is that the apostles were given this glimpse before the Resurrection. Before the agony of the cross, before the scandal of suffering, they were strengthened by a vision of hope. St. Thomas says that the Transfiguration was meant to build up their confidence in Christ’s promises. When the trials came — and they surely did — the apostles could hold fast to what they had seen with their own eyes: a glimpse of glory.
So it is with us.
In this life, we move between valleys and hilltops. There are brief moments when God reveals himself in ways that leave no doubt — times of clarity, joy and peace. But like the apostles, we must also descend the mountain. We return to our daily duties, carrying with us only the memory of the light.
Today, let us ask for the grace to trust in the glory that awaits us. May this feast rekindle in us a deep thirst for heaven, and the courage to walk with Christ even when the path winds downward.
Let us pray,
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become co-heirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
