Tuesday, August 6, 2013


The Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36)

In commenting on the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Luke, Pope Benedict XVI notes that it occurs when Jesus is praying.  He says that it is the interpenetration of Jesus with God the Father that produces the sensation of pure light.  Jesus becomes, as John’s gospel declares, “light from light.”

In prayer Jesus recognizes that God is calling him to suffer.   He can glimpse the cross awaiting him in Jerusalem, the “Exodus” which Moses and Elijah mention in the passage.  The vision does not deter him but compels him forward because he knows that it is the Father’s will.  Meanwhile, the disciples are being prepared for the shock ahead.

We should see a similar eventuality for ourselves in the future.  Whether we suffer through old age or face death in an instant, the experience will not be easy.  Like Jesus we should place our trust in God.  Like him we will be giving positive example to our associates.  Like him we will come to know God’s glory.