Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Transfigure us, O Lord, transfigure us, O Lord.
Break the chains that bind us; speak your healing word,
and where you lead we'll follow. Transfigure us, O Lord.
—Bob Hurd, 2002, Published by OCP
Today is the feast of the Transfiguration, when Jesus took his closest disciples up to the mountain, presumably to pray, and they saw him transformed with light. They caught a glimpse of his glory and were instructed to “Listen to him!” Almost immediately Jesus leads them back down the mountain, and briefly instructs them about his coming suffering before they are surrounded by the crown asking for healing. I think we sometimes think of the Transfiguration as something mostly about Jesus and the apostles terrified. But I think we’d do well to ponder the words of Bob Hurd’s song, asking that WE be transfigured. Changed that we can be free from the fears and hesitations that keep us from facing the challenges that are often all around us in our daily lives. The things that hold us back – like chains – from speaking the healing words needed in our homes, our worksites and even in the bits of public conversation where we could bring light and peace if we were transfigured.
One more note: Something I never considered before struck me as I pondered this Gospel. The Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated 9 days (think novena) before the celebration of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. On that day, the church will ask us to see the connection of Mary to “the woman clothed with the sun” in the book of Revelation. In these August days, both Jesus and Mary his mother, show forth the greatness of God in light. Let us be open to carry that light into the world in our own day and time.
—Sr. Laura Leming, FMI