The Mountain of Glory: Reflecting on the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)
Today the Church celebrates one of the most breathtaking moments in the Gospels: the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. In Luke 9:28-36, we witness an extraordinary revelation that continues to inspire and challenge believers two thousand years later.
A Moment Beyond Words
Picture this scene: Jesus takes His closest friends—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain to pray. What begins as a familiar retreat becomes something utterly unprecedented. As Jesus prays, His very appearance is transformed. His face shines with divine light, and His clothes become "dazzling white," brighter than anything earthly.
But the vision doesn't stop there. Moses and Elijah, the great figures of the Law and the Prophets, appear alongside Jesus. They speak with Him about His "exodus"—His approaching passion, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem. The disciples, though heavy with sleep, witness this incredible encounter between heaven and earth.
The Voice That Changes Everything
Just as Peter stumbles over his words, suggesting they build three tents to somehow capture this moment, a cloud overshadows them. From within that luminous mystery, the Father's voice declares: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."
These words echo the baptism of Jesus, but with a crucial addition: "Listen to him." It's not enough to witness the glory; we're called to hear and heed Jesus' words, especially as He prepares to face the cross.
What This Means for Us
The Transfiguration isn't just a spectacular display of divine power—it's a revelation meant to strengthen our faith during difficult times. The disciples needed this glimpse of glory to sustain them through the dark hours of Jesus' passion. Similarly, we need moments of spiritual insight to carry us through our own struggles.
The Mountain Experience: Like the disciples, we're invited to climb the mountain of prayer. In quiet moments with God, we too can experience transformation—not of our physical appearance, but of our hearts and minds.
Listening Beyond Seeing: The Father's command to "listen to him" reminds us that spiritual life isn't about seeking extraordinary experiences. It's about daily attentiveness to Jesus' voice in Scripture, prayer, and the circumstances of our lives.
Coming Down the Mountain: Notice that Jesus doesn't let the disciples stay on the mountain. They must return to the valley, to ordinary life, carrying this vision with them. Our encounters with God in prayer and worship are meant to transform how we live in the world.
The Light Within
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Transfiguration is that it reveals what was always true about Jesus—His divine nature wasn't hidden and then revealed; it was always there, waiting to break through. The light of His divinity shone from within.
This offers us tremendous hope. As Christians, we too carry the light of Christ within us. Through baptism, we share in His divine life. The Transfiguration reminds us that our ultimate destiny is transformation—not just moral improvement, but actual participation in God's own nature.
A Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, You showed Your disciples a glimpse of Your glory on the mountain. Help us to recognize Your presence in our daily lives. When we face difficulties, remind us of Your divine power. When we're tempted to despair, kindle in us the light of Your resurrection. And as we journey through this life, transform us more and more into Your likeness, until we see You face to face in heaven. Amen.
Living the Transfiguration
As we celebrate this feast, let's ask ourselves: - Where do I encounter Jesus in prayer and silence? - How am I listening to His voice in my daily life? - What needs to be transfigured in my own heart? - How can I carry the light of Christ to others?
The mountain of Transfiguration isn't just a place Jesus visited two thousand years ago—it's a spiritual reality available to each of us. In every Mass, every moment of prayer, every act of love, we have the opportunity to glimpse the glory of God and be transformed by it.
May this feast day renew our faith and kindle in us a deeper desire to know Jesus, not just as teacher or friend, but as the radiant Son of God who calls us to share in His divine life.
"Listen to him."
What moments in your spiritual life have been like "mountain experiences" with God? How has encountering Jesus in prayer or worship changed your perspective on daily challenges? Share your reflections in the comments below.