Tuesday, August 6, 2024

The Transfiguration: A Reflection on Transformation and Divine Glory

The Transfiguration: A Reflection on Transformation and Divine Glory

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative, one that has been reflected upon by theologians, artists, and believers alike. It is an event that transcends time and space, inviting us to consider the nature of transformation and the revelation of divine glory.

In the Gospels, the Transfiguration occurs on a high mountain, where Jesus' appearance becomes radiant, and he is seen conversing with Moses and Elijah. This moment is not only a sign of Jesus' divine identity but also a promise of the glory that awaits those who follow Him, including those from the Old Covenant. It is a foretaste of the Resurrection, offering hope and assurance to the disciples who witness it.  Some scholars think Moses and Elijah both were assumed into heaven like the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The Feast of the Transfiguration, celebrated on August 6th, coincides with a somber anniversary in human history: the bombing of Hiroshima. The juxtaposition of these two events—one a display of divine love and the other of human destructiveness—provides a profound reflection on the use of power and the potential for both creation and destruction.

The light that shone from Jesus during the Transfiguration revealed the power of God's love and the mission to bring life. In stark contrast, the light from the atomic bomb demonstrated the capacity for immense human violence and the shadow of war. This contrast invites us to reflect on our own choices and the ways we wield power in our lives.

The Transfiguration also challenges us to look beyond the surface, to seek a deeper understanding of our experiences and the world around us. It reminds us that there is more to life than what we see, hear, and experience daily. It encourages us to find meaning and purpose beyond the mundane and to recognize the presence of the divine in our midst.

As we reflect on the Transfiguration, we are called to consider our own transformation. How are we being changed by our encounters with the divine? Are we allowing the light of Christ to transfigure our lives, to guide us toward truth and love? The Transfiguration is not just a historical event; it is an ongoing invitation to be transformed by the glory of God.

In a world that often values power and success, the Transfiguration offers a different perspective. It shows us the glory of humility, service, and sacrifice. It reveals a God who is not distant and unapproachable but one who enters into our human experience and transforms it from within.

Let us embrace the message of the Transfiguration, allowing it to shape our understanding of glory, power, and transformation. May we be open to the changes it calls us to make in our lives, and may we be inspired by the hope it offers for a world transfigured by divine love.

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