Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
A few months ago I was talking to a friend who was going through a great deal of suffering. I remember thinking to myself that no one should have to endure so much. The person had an amazing spirit and saw this suffering as part of the process of living and that they were called by God to persevere. A few weeks later this friend thanked me for being a source of spiritual comfort and strength in their time of need. They thanked me and said my support had brought a bright light into their darkness.
As I reflected on my interactions with this friend, I realized that Christ used me as an instrument to help bring comfort in the midst of pain, but also I knew that this friend’s perseverance had transformed me and provided the light of Christ to my eyes. The love and the gratitude this friend reflected back to me seemed to come directly from Christ. I can remember thinking to myself, Lord it is good to be here; grateful to journeying with and bear the burden of their suffering. I felt honored to be there.
St. Peter felt honored to be at Jesus’ Transfiguration. He shared about this feeling in writing Second Peter, where he shares his eyewitness account. It is a prophetic message of God the Father affirming His love for Jesus His Son. Peter reminds the listener, which includes us, that we would do well to be attentive to the message. Being attentive to the message is the point of today’s feast. It is very important to understand Christ’s Transfiguration, but this seeing Jesus with new eyes reminds us that we too must be transfigured. This feast reminds us of the transformation that needs to happen in the lives of all those who believe. Consider how God is trying to transform your life today.
"Loving God, help us to be changed by the love and mercy You offer us in times of need. Allow us to submit completely to that love so that as transformed disciples we can proclaim Your loving message has the power of transformation for all who are willing to surrender their lives to You, who lives and reigns in glory one God forever and ever. Amen!"
- Michael Montgomery