Transfiguration of the Lord

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a special event in the Bible. It happened on a mountain. Jesus took three of His disciples with Him: Peter, James, and John. They went up the mountain to pray.

While Jesus was praying, something amazing happened. His face began to shine like the sun. His clothes became white as light. The disciples were very surprised and did not know what to say.

Then, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. They were important figures from the Old Testament. They talked about what Jesus was going to do in Jerusalem. This showed that Jesus was fulfilling the scriptures.

Finally, a bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud. It said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” The disciples were very afraid and fell to the ground. Jesus came and touched them. He told them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw only Jesus.

The Feast of the Transfiguration is observed annually on August 6.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. They went to pray together. These three disciples were close to Jesus. He wanted to show them something special.

As Jesus prayed, His appearance changed. His face shone bright like the sun. His clothes became dazzling white. The disciples were amazed and did not know what to do.

Then, Moses and Elijah appeared. They talked with Jesus. These two were important figures from the past. They discussed what Jesus would soon do in Jerusalem.

A bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud. It said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” The disciples were very afraid and fell to the ground. Jesus touched them and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” When they looked up, only Jesus was there.

The Transfiguration gives us a taste of heaven. It shows what it will be like to see Jesus in His glory. On the mountain, the disciples saw Jesus shining bright. This reminds us that we will see God’s full glory in heaven.

Right now, we struggle to understand God completely. Our human minds cannot grasp all of His greatness. The world around us is full of distractions and doubts. We often find it hard to feel close to God.

The Transfiguration gives us hope. It shows that one day we will see God face to face. We will experience His glory fully. This will be a joy beyond anything we can imagine now.

The apostles’ experience on Mount Tabor is like our future in heaven. They saw Jesus in His bright glory. In heaven, we will see Jesus in His full glory, too. This encourages us to keep our faith strong as we wait for that day.

The Transfiguration calls us to live holy lives. Jesus showed His glory to Peter, James, and John. This reminds us to seek holiness every day. We are called to follow Jesus and live like Him.

We can be changed by meeting Christ. Each time we pray or receive the Eucharist, we come closer to Him. These moments help us grow in faith. They make us more like Jesus.

The Eucharist and prayer are very important. They connect us to Jesus. When we receive the Eucharist, we take Jesus into our hearts. Prayer keeps us close to Him every day.

As we become more like Christ, we reflect His light. Others can see Jesus in us. Our actions and words can show His love. By living holy lives, we bring Christ’s light to the world.

• First Reading – Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14: Daniel sees God on His throne with many attending Him. One like a son of man comes and receives everlasting power and kingship over all people.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 97: The Lord reigns with justice. The earth and islands rejoice. Mountains melt before Him. All people see His glory. God is greater than all other gods.
• Second Reading – 2 Peter 1:16-19: Peter tells how they saw Jesus’ glory and heard God’s voice. He urges believers to hold onto the message like a light shining in darkness.
• Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9 (Year A) or Mark 9:2-10 (Year B) or Luke 9:28b-36 (Year C): Jesus is transfigured on a mountain before three disciples. His face shines, and His clothes become white. God declares Him His Son. Jesus tells them to keep silent until His resurrection.

Lectionary Reference: 614

The feast of the Transfiguration shows us who Jesus really is. It helps us understand His mission and how we are called to follow Him.

• Jesus is God’s Son: God speaks from the cloud and calls Jesus His beloved Son. This shows that Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet.
• Glory of Jesus: On the mountain, Jesus shines with light. This shows His glory and gives the disciples a glimpse of His full power.
• Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets: Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. This shows that Jesus brings the Law and the prophets to their purpose.
• Listen to Jesus: God tells the disciples to listen to Jesus. We are reminded to follow Jesus and trust His words.
• Strength for the journey: The Transfiguration happens before Jesus suffers. It gives strength to the disciples, and it gives us hope when we face hard times.
• Jesus will rise: Jesus tells the disciples not to speak of this until He rises. This shows that suffering will not be the end.
• A glimpse of heaven: The disciples see Jesus in glory. This gives them, and us, a taste of what is to come.

The feast of the Transfiguration reminds us who Jesus is. It helps us stay faithful when things are hard and keeps our eyes on what is ahead.

Mountain Time Lesson Plan

This engaging lesson plan focuses on mountains in the Bible, providing youth with a deeper understanding of their significance in scripture. Exploring the reasons why mountains are often associated with encountering God, the lesson encourages reflection on how we, too, can reach spiritual “mountaintop” experiences in our lives.

Through interactive discussions, we’ll delve into notable mountain references in the Bible, including the Transfiguration. By the end of this lesson, young minds will gain a fresh perspective on the spiritual symbolism of mountains and be inspired to seek their own encounters with the divine in the highs and lows of life’s journey.

Ups and Downs Lesson Plan

This reflection on the Transfiguration offers valuable insight for youth to contemplate the ebbs and flows of life. The event of Jesus’ radiant transformation on the mountain serves as a poignant reminder that we all experience highs and lows. At times, we find ourselves in moments of great joy and spiritual fulfillment, akin to being on the mountaintop.

However, just like the disciples who eventually had to descend from the mountain, we too must face the inevitable challenges and trials that come our way. This lesson encourages young hearts to embrace both the peaks and valleys of life’s journey, understanding that every experience contributes to our growth and ultimately draws us closer to God.

The Mystical Transfiguration of Christ

A homily from Bishop Robert Barron. The story of the Transfiguration of Christ has captivated Christians for centuries, representing a profound mystical experience within the New Testament. This event portrays the encounter with spiritual realities in the midst of the ordinary, revealing the awe-inspiring beauty of the divine realm beyond the ordinary world. The term “mystical” denotes a personal connection with God, signifying a profound encounter with the person of God. The Transfiguration serves as a powerful testament to the extraordinary nature of the spiritual reality, far surpassing the ordinary experiences of life.

Why Does the Transfiguration Matter?

A reflection from Scott Hahn. While the Feast of the Transfiguration may not be as widely celebrated as Christmas or Easter, it holds essential aspects deserving of closer examination. In this episode of The Road to Emmaus, Scott Hahn delves into the significance of the Transfiguration and its enigmatic teachings, present in all three synoptic Gospels. By unpacking the meaning behind this event, he sheds light on its importance and relevance. Through his insightful analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the Transfiguration and the profound impact it holds for the Christian faith.

Experiencing God’s Presence

In this USCCB video reflection for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we are reminded of the powerful moment when Jesus revealed his divine nature to Peter, James, and John on the mountain. The reflection emphasizes that, like the disciples, our faith is strengthened through personal experiences of God. These experiences, often seen as coincidences, are God’s way of showing us His presence. When we read Scripture, it validates and fortifies these encounters. By staying open to God’s presence in our daily lives, we deepen our friendship with Him and live in the joy of His love.

The Glory of Christ’s Transfiguration

In this reflection for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Bishop Robert Barron explains that the Transfiguration reveals the divine and human natures of Jesus. On the mountain, Jesus’ divinity shines through his humanity, much like the burning bush of the Old Testament. This event shows that Jesus is both divine and human, making him uniquely able to save us and relate to us. After the Transfiguration, Jesus returns to the ordinary world, reminding us that he walks with us in our daily lives. This powerful encounter urges us to let Christ reign as Lord in every aspect of our lives.

The feast of the Transfiguration shows us who Jesus truly is. It reminds us that He is God’s Son, shining in glory, and speaking words we need to hear. The readings invite us to trust in Jesus, listen to Him, and follow Him with hope, even when the road is hard. These reflections explore different ways this feast speaks to our faith and daily life.

Jesus Revealed in Glory

The feast of the Transfiguration helps us see who Jesus really is. In the reading from Daniel, we hear about a vision of heaven. God is on His throne, and the Son of Man comes with glory and power. This Son of Man is Jesus. He is given a kingdom that will never end.

On the mountain, Peter, James, and John see Jesus shining with light. His face and clothes are bright, like the vision in Daniel. This is not just a story about a man. This shows that Jesus shares in God’s glory.

The reading from 2 Peter tells us that Peter saw all this with his own eyes. He heard the voice from heaven say, “This is my Son.” Peter wants us to know that he is not making it up. He saw Jesus revealed in glory.

This helps us remember that Jesus is not only our teacher and friend. He is Lord. He rules forever. The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus comes from heaven and will return in glory.

When we look at Jesus, we are looking at God’s power and light. The feast of the Transfiguration gives us hope and helps us trust in Him.

We may not see bright lights or shining faces, but we still follow the same Jesus. He leads us to His kingdom that will never pass away.

A Light for the Journey

The reading from 2 Peter gives us a personal message. Peter says that he saw Jesus shining in glory. He also heard God’s voice. This memory stayed with him. It helped him keep going when things got hard.

He calls this memory a lamp shining in a dark place. That is a good image. The world can feel dark. Life is not always easy. But Peter says we are not walking alone. Jesus lights the way.

The Transfiguration gives the same message. Before Jesus suffered and died, He showed His glory. This helped the disciples understand that the hard days ahead were not the end. There was more to come.

We are also on a journey. We may face pain, fear, or confusion. But Jesus has gone before us. He shows us that glory will follow the struggle.

The feast of the Transfiguration is like a small glimpse of what is waiting for us. It is a light for our path. It reminds us not to give up.

When we remember the light of Jesus, we can walk with hope. Even in darkness, we know where we are going.

Listen and Follow

At the Transfiguration, a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son… listen to Him.” That is the main message. God is telling us what to do. We must listen to Jesus.

The disciples saw Jesus in shining light. They were afraid, but Jesus told them not to be. He touched them and said, “Do not be afraid.” His words brought peace. His voice mattered more than the bright cloud or the fear.

This also connects with the reading from Daniel. The Son of Man is given power and glory. If He is the one who rules forever, then we should listen to Him. His voice leads us to life.

Many people listened to other voices in Jesus’ time. Some followed crowds. Some followed fear. But only one voice matters. God tells us to follow His Son.

The feast of the Transfiguration is a reminder to stop and listen. Jesus still speaks to us through Scripture, through prayer, and through the Church.

We may not stand on a mountain, but we still need to listen. His words bring truth, peace, and hope.

The feast of the Transfiguration gives us strength for the journey. It reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, who shines with glory and walks with us. We are not alone. His light leads us forward, even when the path is steep.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You showed Your glory on the mountain and gave Your friends a glimpse of heaven. Help us to listen to You and follow You each day. When we are afraid, give us peace. When we are tired, give us hope. Stay with us always. Amen.

• What does the Transfiguration show me about who Jesus is?
• Why do you think God told the disciples to listen to Jesus?
• How can I listen to Jesus more in my daily life?
• What part of the Transfiguration story stands out to me the most?
• How does the image of Jesus shining in light help me in hard times?
• What does Peter’s memory of the event tell us about faith?
• Who are the people in my life that help me see the light of Jesus?
• How can I share the message of Jesus with others this week?
• What does it mean for me to walk in the light of Christ?
• How do I stay strong when life feels dark or confusing?

Many songs that fit the feast of the Transfiguration focus on light, glory, and seeing God more clearly. Some remind us that Jesus is our vision and our light. Others help us praise God’s glory and power. Some songs speak of shining with God’s presence or being changed by His light. A few reflect the awe and joy of seeing Jesus in His full glory, as the disciples did on the mountain. Many also connect with the hope of His return and the promise of eternal life. These themes are drawn from the readings and help bring the message of the feast to life.

• Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• Glory and Praise to Our God by the St. Louis Jesuits
• God of Wonders by Third Day
• How Can I Keep From Singing by Audrey Assad
• Jesus Christ You Are My Life by Rufino Zaragoza
• Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise by Walter C. Smith
• In the Day of the Lord by M.D. Ridge
• In This Place by Trevor Thomson
• Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
• Lord Let Your Face Shine on Us by Tom Booth
• Lord When Your Glory Appears by Tom Booth
• Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
• Shine by Chris Crawford
• Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick
• Sing to the Mountains by Bob Dufford
• Sing with all the Saints in Glory by William J. Irons
• Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here by Joseph A. Robinson
• Transfiguration by Ricky Manalo
• Transfigure Us, O Lord by Bob Hurd

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these songs and use them in liturgy or prayer. These selections highlight the light, glory, and mission of Christ. They can support the readings and help the assembly reflect on the message. Please try them out and consider adding your own ideas or favorites in the comments.

What is the Transfiguration of Jesus?

The Transfiguration of Jesus is when His appearance changed, and He shone bright. This happened on a mountain with His disciples Peter, James, and John.

Why is the Transfiguration of Jesus important?

The Transfiguration of Jesus shows His glory and gives a glimpse of heaven. It also confirms that He is God’s Son.

Who appeared with Jesus during the Transfiguration?

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus during the Transfiguration. They talked with Him about His mission.

What did the voice from the cloud say during the Transfiguration of Jesus?

The voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”

Where did the Transfiguration of Jesus take place?

The Transfiguration of Jesus took place on a high mountain. The exact location is not certain, but it is often believed to be Mount Tabor.

Who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus?

Peter, James, and John witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus. They were three of His closest disciples.

What happened to Jesus’ appearance during the Transfiguration?

During the Transfiguration, Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white.

What is the message of the Transfiguration of Jesus?

The message of the Transfiguration of Jesus is that He is the Son of God. It also shows the promise of seeing God’s glory in heaven.

How does the Transfiguration of Jesus encourage Christians?

The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages Christians by giving them hope. It shows that they will see God’s glory one day and calls them to live holy lives.

When is the Feast of the Transfiguration celebrated?

The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th each year. It is a day to remember and reflect on this important event.

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an important event in Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Jesus took three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up a high mountain to pray. While they were praying, Jesus’ appearance changed. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. This surprised the disciples and filled them with awe.

During this event, two important figures from the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah, appeared. They talked with Jesus about His mission in Jerusalem. The disciples were amazed and did not know what to say.

A bright cloud then covered them, and a voice came from the cloud. The voice said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” The disciples were very afraid and fell to the ground. Jesus came and touched them, telling them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw only Jesus.

The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a glimpse of His glory and the promise of heaven. It encourages us to keep our faith strong and live holy lives. By praying and receiving the Eucharist, we can grow closer to Jesus and reflect His light to others.

Learn more about the Transfiguration of Jesus. Reflect on its meaning and how it can impact your life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. By understanding this event, we can grow in our faith and bring Jesus’ light to the world.