The Transfiguration is one of the pivotal points in the earthly life of Jesus. As recorded in the Gospels, Jesus took three apostles – Peter, James, and John – up to a high mountain to pray. As they prayed, his appearance changed, his clothes became dazzling white, and two prophets appeared to Jesus and spoke with him.

This feast is commemorated every August 06, as marked by Pope Callixtus III in the year 1456, to commemorate the lifting of the Ottoman Siege of Belgrade.

WHAT IS THE TRANSFIGURATION?

The Transfiguration is one of the pivotal points in the earthly life of Jesus. As recorded in the Gospels, Jesus took three apostles – Peter, James, and John – up to a high mountain to pray. As they prayed, his appearance changed, his clothes became dazzling white, and two prophets appeared to Jesus and spoke with him. This feast is commemorated every August 06, as marked by Pope Callixtus III in the year 1456, to commemorate the lifting of the Ottoman Siege of Belgrade.

HIS APPEARANCE CHANGED, AND HIS CLOTHES BECAME DAZZLING WHITE

The moment of the Transfiguration, that is when Jesus’ appearance changed, is understood to have been the revelation of the Eternal Glory that awaits Jesus after his Passion and Death. Some would even say that this was a foretaste of the Resurrection. Here the Disciples were able to have a foretaste of the Glory that was to come through Jesus Christ.

TWO PROPHETS APPEARED AND SPOKE WITH JESUS

The presence of the two prophets is often interpreted as Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses, who symbolized the Law; Elijah, who symbolized the Prophets, were the ones who appeared and spoke with Jesus.

A HEAVENLY VOICE

As they were conversing, a voice from heaven spoke: “This is my Son, my Chosen one; listen to him!” To hear the Father speaking from heaven is something not novel in the Life of Jesus. Numerous times the Father has made manifest his love for the Son by openly declaring it during his Baptism, and when he prayed in the Temple.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

Pope Benedict XVI, giving a reflection on the Transfiguration of Jesus exhorts us: “No one, however, is permitted to live ‘on Tabor’ while on earth.”

Today’s feast is a reminder for all of us that amidst the business of life, we must find time to go up the mountain to pray in silence, and encounter the Lord with awe. However, we cannot remain up the mountain. We must go down from the Mountain and share the Christ we have encountered with those we meet in our daily life.