The Transfiguration of the Lord – A Timeless Revelation of Glory and Its Meaning for Today

The Transfiguration of the Lord – A Timeless Revelation of Glory and Its Meaning for Today

The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the most profound and awe-inspiring events in the New Testament, a moment where the divine nature of Jesus Christ is revealed in a dazzling display of light and glory. Celebrated annually on August 6 in the Catholic Church, this event holds deep theological significance, offering insights into Christ’s identity, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and the call to holiness for all believers. In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, division, and a search for meaning, the Transfiguration provides a powerful reminder of hope, transformation, and the eternal presence of God’s light.

The Transfiguration: A Biblical Account

The Transfiguration is recorded in three of the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. The event takes place after Jesus predicts His passion and death, a moment of tension for the disciples who are grappling with the reality of their teacher’s impending suffering. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John—His inner circle—up a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor in Galilee, though some scholars suggest Mount Hermon due to its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had recently been.

On the mountain, Jesus is transfigured before them: “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2, NIV). Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear and converse with Jesus, affirming His role as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel. A bright cloud overshadows them, and a voice from the cloud declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). Overwhelmed, the disciples fall to the ground in fear, but Jesus comforts them, saying, “Get up, don’t be afraid” (Matthew 17:7). As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs them not to speak of the event until after His resurrection, underscoring its connection to the Paschal mystery.

The Meaning of the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is rich with theological meaning, revealing multiple layers of Christ’s identity and mission:

1. Revelation of Christ’s Divinity: The Transfiguration is a theophany—a direct manifestation of God’s glory. The radiant light emanating from Jesus signifies His divine nature, confirming His identity as the Son of God. This moment echoes the Old Testament theophanies, such as Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35), where his face also shone after being in God’s presence. For the disciples, this glimpse of Jesus’ divinity strengthens their faith as they face the looming reality of His crucifixion.
2. Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: The appearance of Moses and Elijah is deeply symbolic. Moses represents the Law, given to Israel on Mount Sinai, while Elijah represents the Prophets, who called the people back to covenant fidelity. Their presence alongside Jesus signifies that He is the culmination of God’s plan, the one who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of Christ’s glorious coming, when he ‘will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body’” (CCC 556).
3. A Foretaste of the Resurrection: The Transfiguration occurs in the context of Jesus’ prediction of His passion, death, and resurrection. The glory revealed on the mountain is a preview of the resurrection, assuring the disciples—and us—that suffering and death are not the end. The event bridges the cross and the resurrection, showing that the path to glory passes through the cross. As Pope St. Leo the Great wrote in a sermon, “The Lord displays his glory before chosen witnesses… to remove from the hearts of his disciples the scandal of the cross.”
4. A Call to Listen and Follow: The voice of the Father, echoing the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17), commands the disciples to “listen to him.” This directive underscores Jesus’ authority as the Word of God incarnate and calls the disciples to trust in His teachings, even when they lead to the cross. It’s a reminder that true discipleship involves obedience and surrender to God’s will.

Significance for Today’s World

The Transfiguration is not just a historical event—it speaks directly to the challenges and aspirations of our modern world. In an era marked by division, despair, and a crisis of meaning, the Transfiguration offers several key lessons:

1. Hope Amid Suffering: Today, many people face personal and collective struggles—whether it’s the loss of loved ones, economic hardship, or global crises like climate change and conflict. The Transfiguration reminds us that suffering is not the final word. Just as Jesus’ glory was revealed before His passion, we are called to trust that God’s light can shine through our darkest moments. For those grappling with grief, such as the family of Juan Morales, the Bronx parishioner who passed away from glioblastoma in March 2025 (as mentioned in a previous post), the Transfiguration offers a promise of eternal transformation, where our lowly bodies will be made glorious like Christ’s.
2. A Call to Transformation: The Transfiguration is not just about Jesus’ glory—it’s an invitation for us to be transformed. St. Paul writes, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV). In a world often driven by materialism and self-interest, the Transfiguration challenges us to seek holiness, to reflect God’s light in our actions, and to pursue justice, compassion, and love. This is particularly relevant in addressing social issues like the marginalization of communities, such as the Puerto Rican diaspora during June, when their cultural celebrations are often overshadowed by Pride Month, as discussed in a previous post.
3. Unity in Diversity: The presence of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus highlights the unity of God’s plan across history. In today’s polarized world, where divisions over race, politics, and identity often dominate, the Transfiguration calls us to recognize the interconnectedness of humanity under God’s love. It’s a reminder to listen to Christ’s voice above the noise of conflict, seeking reconciliation and understanding. For example, the tension between Pride Month and Puerto Rican cultural events in June could be resolved by embracing the shared humanity and struggles of both communities, as both seek visibility and affirmation.
4. Encountering the Divine in the Ordinary: The Transfiguration took place on a mountain, a place of retreat and prayer, but its message extends to our everyday lives. In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often lose sight of the sacred. The Transfiguration invites us to create space for prayer and contemplation, to encounter God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life. Whether it’s through attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or simply pausing to reflect on God’s creation, we can experience glimpses of divine glory that renew our faith and purpose.
5. A Witness to Glory: Peter’s reaction to the Transfiguration—“Lord, it is good for us to be here” (Matthew 17:4)—reflects a desire to remain in the presence of God’s glory. Yet, Jesus leads the disciples back down the mountain, into the reality of their mission. This movement from the mountaintop to the valley mirrors our call to be witnesses of Christ’s light in the world. In an age where many feel disconnected from faith, the Transfiguration inspires us to share the hope of the Gospel, to be beacons of God’s love in our communities, workplaces, and families.

Conclusion: A Light That Never Fades

The Transfiguration of the Lord is a moment of divine revelation that continues to resonate across centuries. It reveals Jesus as the Son of God, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the hope of our resurrection. For today’s world, it offers a message of transformation, hope, and unity—a reminder that God’s glory can break through even the darkest of times. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, from personal struggles to societal divisions, the Transfiguration calls us to listen to Christ, to be transformed by His light, and to carry that light into the world.

In the words of Pope Francis, reflecting on the Transfiguration in a 2021 homily, “The light of Christ does not fade; it shines forth to illuminate the path of every person.” May we, like Peter, James, and John, be transformed by this light, and may we share it with a world in desperate need of hope.