Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 17:1-9
“Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is My Son, the Beloved; with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

Reflection:

Today, we are invited to climb the mountain with Jesus and His closest disciples. This moment of Transfiguration is not just a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, but a revelation meant to strengthen the disciples for the trials that lie ahead. In this dazzling display of light and majesty, they encounter the fullness of who Jesus is: both fully human and fully divine.

The Transfiguration is a reminder for us that in our journey of faith, God gives us moments of clarity, moments where His presence and glory shine through the veil of this world. These moments are gifts, not only to comfort us but to prepare us. Peter, James, and John will soon witness the agony of Gethsemane and the suffering of the cross. But here, on the mountain, they are reminded that the cross is not the end. The glory of Christ points forward to the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Notice Peter’s reaction: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” How often do we long to remain in the comfort of these “mountaintop” experiences, forgetting that our mission lies back in the valleys of daily life? The voice of the Father breaks through Peter’s words, calling him—and us—not to remain still, but to listen: “This is My Son, the Beloved; listen to Him!” Discipleship is not about staying in comfort; it is about listening to Christ and following Him, even when the path leads through suffering.

St. Augustine reflects: “In His Transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His truth, that they might be strengthened for the scandal of the cross.” This is the paradox of our faith: the glory of God is revealed in both the brilliance of the mountaintop and the humility of the cross. The Transfiguration invites us to hold these two realities together, trusting that the light of Christ will guide us through the darkest valleys.

The Desert Fathers also reflected on the necessity of climbing the spiritual mountain in prayer. Abba Evagrius Ponticus taught: “If you desire to see the face of Christ, let your soul ascend the mountain of prayer and contemplation.” (Praktikos 67) His words remind us that the journey to God’s presence is not always easy. It requires effort, perseverance, and an openness to being transformed by the experience of His glory. But the reward is great: a deeper union with Christ, a heart strengthened for the trials of life, and a faith that is no longer shaken by suffering.

Take a moment now to reflect on the “mountaintop” moments in your own life. When have you experienced the glory of God in a way that filled your heart with joy and wonder? How have those moments strengthened your faith for the challenges that followed? Spend time in prayer asking Jesus to help you carry the memory of His glory into the struggles of daily life, trusting that He is with you in both the light and the darkness.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you hold on to the glory of Christ in moments of difficulty or doubt?
2. What does it mean for you to “listen to Him” in the midst of life’s challenges?
3. How does the Transfiguration prepare you to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You revealed Your glory on the mountain to strengthen Your disciples for the road ahead. Help us to hold onto the light of Your presence in moments of darkness and to trust in Your love when the path is hard. Teach us to listen to You and to follow wherever You lead, knowing that Your glory is always with us. Amen.