PRI Reflections on Scripture | Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel

Luke 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflection

Jesus had just revealed for the first time to his disciples that he was going to have to die. Go back to Jerusalem and be crucified. Then he takes Peter, James, and John into an amazing experience. And what is interesting about what they saw was the fact that Jesus’ face had changed, and that he was glowing with light. And I believe that's because what they were looking at was not just Jesus the human, but Jesus the one who is divine, who is filled with divinity.

And then he's talking clearly about what he's about to do. HIs Exodus. His Exodus is his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. And what he is trying to make clear to his disciples is that the Old Testament, the story of Moses, Exodus, the story of all the prophets, he is the fulfillment of all of that. And what they need to do is just start pondering what it means to die and to rise.

Closing Prayer

Father, we pray that you will keep us in touch, and keep us aware of what you did for each of us. Your death and resurrection changed the world. Enables us to feel the fullness of a transformation that could only be done by you. Bless us with gratitude and awareness and we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross