THE FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
First Reading - Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Gospel - Luke 9:28-36
The first reading, taken from the Book of Daniel, evokes an apocalyptic scene of the vision of the Son of Man coming in a cloud with majesty and splendor. This vision had a background of consolation for the persecuted Jews by Antiochus IV, who was forcing them to forgo their beliefs and practices and accept Greek customs and deities. Daniel’s vision was an assurance for the people, emphasizing that the Son of Man was a divine representative who would establish His kingdom and vanquish the kingdom of the evil ruler. Jesus calmly applied this title to Himself to show His role as the divine king of Daniel, with the authority and power to rule and judge.
The gospel scene of the Transfiguration brings to mind the glorified figure of Christ, as mentioned in the first reading by the prophet Daniel. The gospel emphasizes a few aspects of the Transfiguration: firstly, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represents the law and the prophets. Moses gave the law, and Elijah was considered one of the greatest prophets. Their appearance concludes that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets; He is the person to whom the law aimed and about whom the prophets spoke. Secondly, the voice from heaven confirms the authority of Jesus' words: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." This means that whatever Jesus speaks and says is true. The scene of the Transfiguration was so captivating and enormous that Peter was confused about what to say. This scene was imprinted in the minds of the apostles, particularly Peter, who, in his letter that we hear in the second reading, confirms that he saw the glory of Jesus while He was alive on earth. He was simply taken up by that scene.
Dear friends, the Transfiguration was indeed a confirmation that Jesus is the Son of God, as the voice from heaven validated. Besides this, the scene of the Transfiguration was also a glimpse of heaven as witnessed by the apostles. This scene became a perpetual imprint on their minds. The Transfiguration also brings us close to the manifestation of God that we have in our lives every day through our daily events and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we experience the transfigured Christ. Though the host appears and tastes like ordinary bread, after the consecration it becomes a new entity as the person of Christ. Are we transformed at this sight? Every time we receive Him in the simple bread, we are invited to be transformed into Him. The feast accentuates the transformation that we should experience every time we receive Him during the Eucharist.
The feast also reminds us today to listen to Jesus, who speaks to us. The voice from heaven commanded the apostles to listen to Jesus. Jesus speaks to us through the readings of every day, through our inner voice, through our events, and through different people. Have we paid attention to Him? If we are able to listen to Jesus, we will be transformed, as seen in the lives of saints and many others. Let us pay close attention to the voice of Jesus.
May God help us be transformed into the person of Christ every time we receive Him in the consecrated host.
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