Resources
The Transfiguration
Scripture
"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."
Matthew 17:1-8
"He was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus."
Mark 9:2-4
"While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem."
Luke 9:29-31
Meditation
On Mount Tabor, Jesus reveals His divine glory to three privileged disciples—Peter, James, and John. This momentary lifting of the veil that normally concealed His divinity comes at a pivotal moment in His ministry, shortly after He has spoken of His coming passion and death. The Transfiguration strengthens the disciples' faith in preparation for the scandal of the cross, showing them that suffering and glory are mysteriously connected in God's plan of salvation.
The presence of Moses and Elijah—representing the Law and the Prophets—confirms Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Their conversation about His "exodus" that He would accomplish in Jerusalem links His coming passion with the first Exodus, when God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus' transfigured appearance—His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white—reveals that He is the true light of the world, whose glory outshines even the greatest figures of Israel's history.
The Father's voice from the cloud echoes His declaration at Jesus' baptism but adds a crucial command: "Listen to him." This divine imperative calls us to attentive obedience to Christ's teachings, especially when they challenge our preconceptions or comfort. Like Peter, we often desire to remain in moments of spiritual consolation, building "tents" to preserve the experience. Yet Jesus leads the disciples back down the mountain to continue their journey toward Jerusalem, teaching us that glimpses of glory are given not for our private enjoyment but to strengthen us for service and sacrifice.
The Significance of the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration holds multiple layers of meaning for Christian faith:
- Revelation of Christ's Divinity - Confirming that Jesus is truly the Son of God, possessing divine nature
- Preview of Resurrection Glory - Offering a glimpse of the glorified state awaiting Christ after His passion
- Fulfillment of Scripture - Demonstrating Jesus as the culmination of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah)
- Strengthening for the Cross - Preparing the disciples to endure the scandal of Christ's suffering
- Promise of Our Transformation - Foreshadowing the glory that awaits faithful believers who are conformed to Christ's image
- Call to Obedient Listening - The Father's command to "listen to him" emphasizes the authority of Christ's teaching
Reflection Questions
- When have I experienced moments of spiritual clarity or consolation? How did they strengthen me for later challenges?
- In what areas of my life do I need to more attentively "listen to Jesus"?
- How do I balance moments of prayer and contemplation with active service in the world?
- What aspects of my life need to be transfigured by Christ's transforming grace?
- How does the hope of future glory help me to face present trials and sufferings?
Fruit of the Mystery
The spiritual fruits of this mystery are:
- Desire for Holiness - Yearning to be transformed into Christ's likeness
- Spiritual Courage - Strength to face trials in light of promised glory
- Contemplative Spirit - Developing a deeper prayer life to encounter Christ's presence
Prayer
Lord Jesus, who revealed your divine glory on Mount Tabor, help me to see with the eyes of faith your presence and action in my life and in the world. Transform me by your grace that I may gradually be conformed to your image, radiating your light and love to those around me. When I face trials and suffering, remind me of the glory that awaits those who remain faithful to you. Give me the grace to truly listen to your words and to follow your teachings even when they challenge my comfort or preferences. May moments of spiritual consolation strengthen me for the journey ahead, as they did for your disciples. Like Peter, James, and John, may I be willing to both ascend the mountain with you in prayer and descend to serve others in your name. I pray that one day I may behold your glory face to face and be fully transformed into your likeness. Amen.
Art and Tradition
The Transfiguration has inspired magnificent works of art throughout Christian history. Byzantine icons typically portray Jesus in a mandorla (almond-shaped aureole) of light, with rays extending outward, flanked by Moses and Elijah, while the three disciples appear below in various postures of awe. Raphael's famous Renaissance painting, completed just before his death in 1520, is considered one of the greatest portrayals, contrasting the glory on the mountaintop with a scene of suffering below (the healing of a possessed boy).
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6, a date observed since at least the 5th century in Eastern Christianity and later adopted in the West. In the Byzantine tradition, this feast is particularly important, accompanied by the blessing of grapes and other fruits as signs of transformation. The Preface for the Transfiguration in the Roman Missal beautifully summarizes its meaning: "For he revealed his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses and filled with the greatest splendor that bodily form which he shares with all humanity, that the scandal of the Cross might be removed from the hearts of his disciples and that he might show how in the Body of the whole Church is to be fulfilled what so wonderfully shone forth first in its Head."
Mount Tabor in Galilee, traditionally identified as the site of the Transfiguration, has been a pilgrimage destination since ancient times. The Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration now stands on the summit, alongside Greek Orthodox and Maronite monasteries, testifying to the universal significance of this event across Christian traditions. Pope St. John Paul II included the Transfiguration as the fourth Luminous Mystery when he introduced these mysteries in 2002, highlighting its importance in revealing Christ's divine nature and preparing the disciples for the paschal mystery.