Wednesday, August 6, 2025

 The Transfiguration of the Lord

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

 Pope Benedict XVI notes that in Luke’s Gospel the transfiguration occurs while when Jesus is praying.  He calls the prayer an interpenetration of Father and Son which creates the sensation of pure light.  Jesus becomes, as John’s gospel proclaims, “light from light.”

In his prayer Jesus recognizes that God is calling him to suffer.   He can glimpse the cross awaiting him in Jerusalem.  This is the “Exodus” – the end of the mission – which Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus in the passage.  The vision of suffering does not deter but compels Jesus forward.  He knows that it is the Father’s will, which he will always do, come what may.  Meanwhile, the glory of the light prepares the disciples for the shock of the coming crucifixion.

We should not deny a similar eventuality for ourselves.  Whether acute physical pain, psychological trauma, or a combination of both, we will not likely leave the world without the experiencing suffering.  Like Jesus we should be determined to do God’s will through the ordeal.  More than giving positive example to our associates, we will find in it the path to God’s glory.