At that time, Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them. And His face shone as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking together with Him. Then Peter addressed Jesus, saying, Lord, 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. As he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear Him. And on hearing it the disciples fell on their faces and were exceedingly afraid. And Jesus came near and touched them, and said to them, Arise, and do not be afraid. But lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus cautioned them, saying, Tell the vision to no one, till the Son of Man has risen from the dead.

-Matthew 17:1-9

When I think of the word “transfiguration” in the context of this scripture, I think of the best of what one is being brought to the surface of being. In the case of Jesus, this is the Divine so of course, Jesus glows, shines like the sun.

Some things to ponder!

How are we transfigured by road rage? Or our favorite meal, or the face of a loved one, or pain, suffering?

How are we transfigured by lust, by longing, by charity, by hope?

How does our faith transfigure us, or more, how much do we allow our faith to transfigure us?

Where does prayer take us; how are we transfigured in our moments of private prayer, or in the celebration of the Mass?

How do we allow the Sacraments to transfigure our lives?

Is it just a cracker and some juice in a symbolic ritual, or it is the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ?