The Gospel
Luke 9:28b-36
This is my chosen Son; listen to him.
The Transfiguration
St. Gaspar[1]One glance at the divine Blood and we are aroused to toil with untiring zeal and to work in the true spirit of God: for, Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God.[2] We shall work but we shall be so well established in virtue that in our labors no demand from the flesh and blood nor any other desire will ever be heeded: It was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you.[3] We shall work, indeed, but with joy and holy delight in God. We know that even though we now encourage each other to labor with joy and elation, later we shall bear the Cross of Jesus Christ in victory and triumph unto a most blissful eternity. Since this Cross is the golden ladder to heaven, we shall never cease to exclaim: In all our trouble, my joy is overflowing.[4]
Reflection
It was a brief shining moment, he is revealed, and revealed as he is. It is an exceptional moment. The selection of readings today relates the transfiguration to the mystical encounter that was the covenant with Abraham. As the face of Moses became radiant in the presence of God (Ex 34:29), St. Gaspar invites us to be aroused by one glance at this tremendous mystery.
Even in the midst of this revelation we are invited to contemplate the cross. Both Moses and Elijah have experiences of rejection and they were conversing with Jesus about his “exodus” that he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. The dark clouds may cover us too, and we may become fearful as the first disciples, but in the midst of our trials we discover Jesus and his cross and our participation in this mystery.
Peter and the disciples are encouraging to us. Their sleep and their incomprehension encourage us to open our eyes to the mysteries in which we live. Peter does not want to see the revelation end, but with them we descend the mountain contemplating the memory of his presence. The bright shining moments are to enable us to endure the struggle with confidence and with faith. The celebration of this feast reveals again his divine presence, and reveals what we are called to be. Each Eucharist is to be a glimpse of this heavenly feast and to encourage us who are sent into the world having heard the voice of the Lord and strengthened with his presence.
[1] Third Circular Letter, 1829
[2] Rom 8:14
[3] Mt 16:17
[4] 2 Cor 7:4
Luke 9:28b-36
This is my chosen Son; listen to him.
The Transfiguration
St. Gaspar[1]One glance at the divine Blood and we are aroused to toil with untiring zeal and to work in the true spirit of God: for, Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God.[2] We shall work but we shall be so well established in virtue that in our labors no demand from the flesh and blood nor any other desire will ever be heeded: It was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you.[3] We shall work, indeed, but with joy and holy delight in God. We know that even though we now encourage each other to labor with joy and elation, later we shall bear the Cross of Jesus Christ in victory and triumph unto a most blissful eternity. Since this Cross is the golden ladder to heaven, we shall never cease to exclaim: In all our trouble, my joy is overflowing.[4]
Reflection
It was a brief shining moment, he is revealed, and revealed as he is. It is an exceptional moment. The selection of readings today relates the transfiguration to the mystical encounter that was the covenant with Abraham. As the face of Moses became radiant in the presence of God (Ex 34:29), St. Gaspar invites us to be aroused by one glance at this tremendous mystery.
Even in the midst of this revelation we are invited to contemplate the cross. Both Moses and Elijah have experiences of rejection and they were conversing with Jesus about his “exodus” that he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. The dark clouds may cover us too, and we may become fearful as the first disciples, but in the midst of our trials we discover Jesus and his cross and our participation in this mystery.
Peter and the disciples are encouraging to us. Their sleep and their incomprehension encourage us to open our eyes to the mysteries in which we live. Peter does not want to see the revelation end, but with them we descend the mountain contemplating the memory of his presence. The bright shining moments are to enable us to endure the struggle with confidence and with faith. The celebration of this feast reveals again his divine presence, and reveals what we are called to be. Each Eucharist is to be a glimpse of this heavenly feast and to encourage us who are sent into the world having heard the voice of the Lord and strengthened with his presence.
- Describe how I am becoming more open to listening to God’s voice.
- When was the moment in my life when the reality of God’s presence became clear? How did I respond?
- Where do I find strength and encouragement in struggles and difficulties?
[1] Third Circular Letter, 1829
[2] Rom 8:14
[3] Mt 16:17
[4] 2 Cor 7:4
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