The Fourth Luminous Mystery:
The Transfiguration

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him” (Mt.17:1-3).

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

“As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, ‘Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead’” (Mt.17:1-9).

“The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ” (RVM 21). The disciples received an incredible glimpse of Jesus in all his glory. They encountered his beauty, joy, and love in a particularly profound way. They longed to remain there and never leave. Peter even offered to build them shelters that the encounter might last on and on. However, the promise of paradise with Christ remained far in the future. Suffering and death stood between them and such bliss, first that of Christ and then their own.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

Jesus provides this spectacular glimpse of his glorious resurrected form as a special gift for his apostles that hope may remain throughout his passion and death. They would certainly reflect on this time during their dark moments and through it better cling to hope. Many saints often enjoyed many consolations early on yet endured quiet desolation in latter years. They wisely reflected on past blessings to better endure their trials. Likewise, we should reflect on the gifts and consolations we have enjoyed over the years to sustain us through the difficult times.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

Peter appears far more interested in the wonders of God than the Word of God. While Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah, Peter interrupts with nonsensical notions of building shelters to prolong the experience. Peter should rather quietly and intently listen to what Christ is saying to these two great prophets! Indeed, God the Father even interrupts him: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” We may marvel over the wonders and signs of God, but we must foremost listen to the Word of God! Our Lord has the words of eternal life; indeed, he is the Word of eternal life. Listen to him.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

The Transfiguration offers an early glimpse of the resurrected Jesus in all his glory. It also offers his disciples the assurance they will share in his glory after giving their lives to him.

+ + +

The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus is greater than even the Law and the Prophets, that he is indeed the Son of God, and that we must truly listen to him.

+ + +

“The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud” (St. Thomas Aquinas). This is a glorious manifestation of the Holy Trinity.