Transfiguration

In the Fourth Luminous Mystery, we contemplate the Transfiguration of Jesus.

From the Gospel of Matthew (17:1-2)
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.

Commentary by St. Augustine
Jesus became as radiant as the sun to indicate that He is the light that illuminates every man; He is the Messiah humanity was waiting for, the one and only Savior, the victor.

Meditation 1
Immersed in an experience of light and meaning that anticipates the Lord’s Resurrection, the disciples receive a new command: “Listen to Him!” To listen and to obey share the same root: it means being attentive, allowing all the senses to know internally and adhere to the Truth that is Jesus.

The Transfiguration of the Lord reflects the moment of Jesus' Baptism, where, just as on Mount Tabor, God speaks, and Jesus’ divine essence is revealed. However, while the Baptism marks the beginning of the Master's public mission, the Transfiguration marks the culmination of His mission, with the confirmation of the Old Testament, represented by Moses and Elijah, testifying that Jesus is fulfilling the ancient prophecies.

The purpose of the Transfiguration was to prepare the apostles, strengthening their faith by bearing witness to Jesus' divine essence, in anticipation of His passion and death as a human being. Despite this extraordinary vision, it was not enough to prevent the disciples' weakness, as shown by Peter's denial and the flight of the other apostles.

Meditation 2
The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor teaches us a profound spiritual truth: God's grace has the power to transfigure us, revealing our true beauty and dignity in His eyes, while sin disfigures us, distancing us from our essence and obscuring the divine image within us.

In this episode, we see how God's presence can transform us, illuminating us with His glory, just as Christ was illuminated before the apostles. On the other hand, sin prevents that light from shining, distorting our being and distancing us from the fullness of life that God offers us. The Transfiguration thus invites us to allow divine grace to transform us, freeing us from the shadows of sin and leading us to the true light of Christ.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, 
in Your Transfiguration, You showed us Your divine glory, 
the light that illuminates our hearts and calls us to true life.

Grant us the grace to listen to You attentively, 
to adhere to Your Truth with all our being, 
and to be transfigured by Your presence within us.

Transform us, Lord, by Your light, so that, 
freed from the sin that disfigures us, 
we may reflect the beauty of Your image 
in all that we are and do.

When the shadows of weakness envelop us, 
remind us that Your grace is stronger than our sin, 
and that with You, we walk toward the fullness of life.

Strengthen us, as You did the apostles, 
so that, even in trials, we may hold fast to our faith, 
knowing that Your glory awaits us beyond the cross. Amen 

Fr. Jorge Amaro, IMC