“His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”
Today we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”
This is an ancient feast that was introduced into the Western Church and made a universal feast by Pope Callistus III in 1457. It celebrates Christ’s glorious transformation in front of three of his Apostles.
Just prior to the Transfiguration Jesus takes Peter, James, and his brother John up a high mountain where his appearance changes: “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white” (Matthew 17.2).
According to the Catechism: “Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent onto the ‘high mountain’ prepares for the ascent to Calvary” (CCC 568).
Peter, James, and John were purposely chosen as Jesus only needed a few witnesses and these, specifically, were part of his inner circle. These are the same three disciples that later accompanied Christ to Gethsemane on the eve of his passion. The transfiguration was not meant for the masses even though Peter misunderstood what was happening and wanted to build tents to mark the event and show everyone. But it was meant only for their eyes as Peter and the other disciples realize when suddenly God says: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17.5). It was at this point that the disciples fell down to the ground in awe.
Naturally, Peter, James, and John were terrified, and fell to the ground. Jesus touched them and told them, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Suddenly, it all passed, and it was just the four of them standing on the mountain.
Why is this an important feast day in the Church? Because it is a moment when God revealed who Jesus truly is: both fully human and fully divine. As such, this is a moment that shows us who we really are as well—this is an image of the holiness that we strive for in both body and soul, and that will be granted us at the end of time.
After Moses converses with God, “the skin of his face became radiant” (Exodus 34:28). In fact, after this encounter, Moses had to wear a veil over his face whenever he was among the Israelites because his face shone so brightly. This context might help us see just how glorious Jesus must have appeared to Peter and John. Moses experienced intimacy with God, just as Jesus was one with the Father, and it changed them both, inside and out–in fact, it changed them so greatly that others could not fail to notice. This is our calling as well—to cultivate intimacy with God so that this encounter changes us through and through.
May we live this day conscious that our baptism has made us like Christ, and as we embrace that identity in our words and actions, may we remain open to God’s transfiguring grace.
Today, let’s celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, as it is an important reminder of Christ’s divine nature; we all need reminders to strengthen our faith in this age of chaos.
Heaven is our goal.
Sources: FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION – St. Basil’s Catholic Parish (stbasiltoronto.org)
FaithND – Feast of the Transfiguration