Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Feast of our Lord. Holy Day of Obligation.
2 Peter 1:10-19. Matthew 17:1-9.
Read 2 Peter 1:10-19
Happy Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Throughout scripture, mountains are often places where the people of Israel encountered God. It’s no coincidence that both Moses and Elijah are the ones to appear next to Christ during the Transfiguration. Perhaps from Sunday school, you will recall Moses’ encounter with God on Mt. Sinai, where he received the law. Likewise, Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets, encountered God on Mt. Horeb in the “sound of a gentle breeze” (1 Kings 19:12).
So why did our Lord show forth His glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor? Our epistle reading, written by an eyewitness to this great sign of Jesus’ divinity, explains that “You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). The Transfiguration is not just a revelation of Christ’s divine nature but a glimpse of the glory that awaits us. It serves as a guiding light, encouraging us to persevere in our faith.
The apostles, who witnessed this divine light, were strengthened for the trials they would later face. Peter, James, and John were privileged to see the glory of Christ before His Passion, giving them hope and fortitude. This vision of Christ in His glorified state is a promise of what is to come for all who follow Him faithfully.
The light of Tabor is a beacon in our own lives, especially during our darkest moments. When we encounter challenges, doubts, or fears, we can look to the Transfiguration as a reminder of God’s presence and the glory that lies ahead. It calls us to be attentive to the light of Christ, even when the world around us seems dark. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we allow His light to guide us through any trials we may face.
As we celebrate this feast, let us ask ourselves: How can we allow the light of Christ to shine more brightly in our lives? Are we attentive to His presence, even in the small, quiet moments? Do we let His light guide our actions and decisions?
May the Transfiguration inspire us to seek the light of Christ in all things and to be bearers of that light to others. Let us pray that the glory of the Transfiguration may shine in our hearts, transforming us and drawing us closer to our Lord and Saviour.
Glory to Jesus Christ!