The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Raphael's Transfiguration
Vatican Museum

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them to a high mountain apart, where He was transfigured before their very eyes. His face shone like the sun and his garments became white as snow. His light was a blinding light stronger than sunlight that was difficult to look at -- so bright they had to shield their eyes from it. This dazzling brightness which emanated from His whole Body was produced by an interior shining of His Divinity.

This "mystical" event seems a far cry from what we experience in our everyday lives, yet we, too, can catch a glimpse of His dazzling brightness and expose ourselves to His tranforming light.

Pope John Paul II tells us "the primary way to reach this penetrating vision of every human event... is to listen to the 'prophetic word', which is 'as ... a lamp shining in a dark place' (2 Pt 1:19). Comforted by this light, we will be able to persevere confidently, waiting until 'the day dawns' and "the morning star rises" to bring lasting joy and peace to our heart. "
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