Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Feast Day: August 6
Peter, James, and John had followed Jesus for a while.
They had seen miracles.
They had heard Him teach.
They knew He was special.
But one day on a mountain, they saw something that left them flat on the ground.
For a moment, they saw who Jesus really is.
Up the Mountain
St. Matthew tells the story:
“And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:”
— Matthew 17:1
“And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.”
— Matthew 17:2
Tradition identifies the mountain as Mount Tabor, in Galilee.
Moses and Elias
Then two figures appeared with Jesus: Moses and Elias (Elijah).
Moses stood for the Law.
Elias stood for the Prophets.
Together they represented the whole Old Testament, and they were talking with Jesus about the death He would soon suffer in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31).
Everything God had been preparing for centuries pointed to Him.
“It Is Good for Us to Be Here”
Peter did what Peter often did.
He spoke first and thought later.
“Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”
— Matthew 17:4
He wanted to build tents and stay.
Who could blame him?
“Hear Ye Him”
Before Peter could finish, a bright cloud covered them, and the Father spoke:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.”
— Matthew 17:5
The disciples fell on their faces in fear.
Then Jesus touched them and said, “Arise, and fear not.”
When they looked up, they saw only Jesus.
Why Did It Happen?
The Transfiguration happened shortly before Jesus’ Passion.
Soon these same three disciples would see Him arrested, beaten, and crucified.
The Transfiguration gave them a glimpse of His glory to strengthen them for the Cross.
St. Peter never forgot it.
Years later, he wrote that he had been an eyewitness of Christ’s majesty “when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:18).
A Glimpse of Our Future
The Transfiguration also shows us what God has planned for us.
Jesus’ glory shone through His human body.
One day, those who belong to Him will share in that glory in the resurrection.
The History of the Feast
Christians in the East celebrated the Transfiguration for centuries.
In 1457, Pope Callixtus III made it a feast for the whole Church, in thanksgiving for a Christian victory at Belgrade on August 6, 1456.
What This Feast Teaches Us
The Transfiguration teaches us to listen to Jesus.
It teaches us that glory comes through the Cross, not around it.
And it reminds us that moments of grace, in prayer, at Mass, on retreat, are given to strengthen us for the valleys below.
When Is the Feast?
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6. When it falls on a Sunday, it replaces the Sunday readings.
Prayer for the Feast of the Transfiguration
Lord Jesus Christ,
You showed Your glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain.
Open our eyes to see You as You truly are.
Help us listen to You, as the Father commanded,
and strengthen us to follow You through the Cross to glory.
Lord, it is good for us to be here. Amen.
