The Transfiguration of the Lord (Matthew 17:1-9): A Reflection on Divine Revelation

In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the pivotal event when Jesus revealed His divine nature to three of His closest disciples: Peter, James, and John. This extraordinary occurrence on Mount Tabor holds great significance for Catholics and serves as a beacon of hope and assurance in our spiritual journey. This presents the profound revelation of Christ's divinity and His unique relationship with God the Father. As we contemplate this sacred event, we are invited to enter into a deeper understanding of God's plan for humanity and the transformative power of encountering the Lord.

1. **Mount Tabor: A Place of Encounter**

Mount Tabor symbolizes the mountain of divine encounter, where God reveals Himself to humanity. Just as Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and Elijah encountered God in the still small voice on Mount Horeb, the Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is the embodiment of God's Word and the ultimate revelation of divine love and mercy. This realization calls us to seek moments of intimate encounter with God, where we can be transformed by His presence and listen to His voice in our lives.

2. **The Veil of Humanity Lifted**

During the Transfiguration, Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. This physical transformation unveils a glimpse of His true divinity, temporarily lifting the veil of His human nature. Through this revelation, we are reminded that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine – the Incarnate Word of God. This mystery calls us to embrace the paradox of Christ's dual nature and recognize that, through His humanity, He deeply understands our struggles, while His divinity grants us hope and redemption.

3. **Elijah and Moses: Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets**

The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus Christ. The Law given through Moses and the prophetic messages conveyed by Elijah all pointed to the coming of the Messiah. In Jesus, the promises of the Old Testament find their completion, and He becomes the ultimate bridge between God and humanity. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and how the Scriptures provide a cohesive narrative of God's plan of salvation for humanity.

4. **The Father's Voice: "This is my Son, the Beloved"**

In the Transfiguration account, God the Father's voice proclaims His deep love for Jesus and instructs the disciples to "listen to Him." This divine affirmation assures us of the Father's approval of Jesus' mission and teachings. In this moment, we find reassurance in God's love for each of us, His beloved children. We are called to listen to Jesus, the Word made flesh, who speaks words of eternal life, truth, and love. It challenges us to heed His teachings, follow His example, and grow in intimacy with Him through prayer and the study of Scripture.

5. **The Call to Embrace the Cross**

Following the Transfiguration, Jesus instructs the disciples not to tell anyone about the event until after His resurrection. This instruction emphasizes the connection between the Transfiguration and the Cross. The glory revealed on Mount Tabor is intrinsically tied to the salvific act of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. As Catholics, we are called to take up our crosses and follow Christ, trusting that through our sufferings and sacrifices, we participate in His redemptive work for the world.

All of this holds profound spiritual significance for us as Catholics. It reveals Christ's divinity, emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and invites us to deepen our relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. As we meditate on this event, let us welcome the transformative power of encountering Jesus, listen to His teachings, and embrace the cross in our lives, knowing that through our faithfulness, we too can be transfigured into His image and likeness in the world.