The Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

- August 6th

About a year before He suffered and died to save us from Hell, Jesus willed to let three of the Apostles see Him shining with great glory. He did this to make their faith in Him stronger. In the Holy Gospel we can read the story of this marvelous event, which is called Our Lord’s Transfiguration.


Jesus took Saints Peter, James, and John with Him up Mt. Thabor, a mountain that stands like a great sugar-loaf in the middle of Galilee. And when they were off by themselves, suddenly His face shone like the sun and his robes shone as white as snow-whiter than any bleach on earth could have made them. Next the amazed Apostles saw the Prophets of old, Elias and Moses, talking with Jesus.


Imagine what joy those Apostles felt! “Lord,” said St. Peter, “it is good for us to be here. If You will, let us set up three tents here-one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Peter really did not know what to say, because he was trembling with wonder and fear. As he was talking, a bright cloud overshadowed them and from it came the voice of God the Father, saying: “This is My beloved Son; hear Him.”


When they heard that, the Apostles were so struck with fear that they fell on their faces. Then Jesus came near and touched them. “Arise,” He said, “and do not be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.


As they were coming down the mountain, Our Lord told them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until He had risen from the dead. They did not understand what He meant by that then, but after His glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday, they understand.


Let us too, listen to Our Divine Lord when He speaks to us though His Vicar, the Pope, and through our Bishops and Priests.