Homily: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord


Introduction:

There’s an old joke about a man who loved mountain climbing. After one perilous climb, he exclaimed, “The higher you go, the closer you are to God!” His friend replied, “Maybe that’s why God called Moses, Elijah, and Jesus up the mountain—there’s no Wi-Fi there, so they could actually listen!”
Today’s Gospel takes us to such a mountaintop, far from noise, distraction, and Wi-Fi. Here, something extraordinary happens: Jesus is transfigured. His appearance changes, revealing His divine glory. But it’s not just a moment of glory—it’s a deep invitation to transformation.

The Word of God:

1st Reading – Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14:
Daniel shares a mystical vision of the “Ancient One” and “one like a Son of Man” who comes with glory and is given dominion over all peoples. This vision points to Jesus—the eternal Son whose kingdom will never end.

Psalm – Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9:
"The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth." This psalm sings of God’s majesty and justice, reminding us of God’s presence revealed in nature and glory, much like on Mount Tabor.

2nd Reading – 2 Peter 1:16-19:
Peter testifies to what he witnessed at the Transfiguration. He emphasizes that this was not a myth—he saw the majesty of Jesus firsthand. This experience confirmed the truth of the Gospel and the prophetic message.

Gospel – Mark 9:2-10 (or Matthew 17:1–9 / Luke 9:28b–36):
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, He is transfigured—His clothes become dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appear. A cloud overshadows them, and the Father’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.”

Connection of the Readings:

All three readings center on divine revelation. In Daniel, a vision of divine glory; in Peter’s letter, a personal testimony to divine majesty; and in the Gospel, a firsthand experience of that same glory. The Transfiguration is not a stand-alone event—it is the fulfillment of prophecy, the confirmation of Jesus’ divine identity, and a preparation for the suffering that will follow.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What moments in my life have been “mountaintop experiences” where I felt God’s presence deeply?

  2. Am I listening to Jesus—truly, intentionally, daily?

  3. What in me needs to be transfigured—fears, doubts, habits?

  4. How can I descend the mountain with new strength to face everyday challenges?

Implications for the Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality:

The Jubilee Year calls us to renewal and pilgrimage. The Transfiguration is a reminder that transformation often requires us to go “up the mountain”—to pause, to reflect, and to be changed. The Synod calls for listening—to the Spirit, to one another, to the Word. The Father’s voice in today’s Gospel is strikingly direct: “Listen to Him.” In our Church today, can we truly say we are listening to Christ in each other, especially the marginalized?

Inspiration and Motivation:

Jesus chose to reveal His glory not to everyone, but to a few. Why? Because transformation starts with the few willing to climb. You and I are invited up the mountain. Not to escape the world, but to see it with new eyes when we come down.

Quote:

“He was transfigured before them.” (Mark 9:2)
“Let us not be afraid of the light of Christ. It does not blind us. It transforms us.” – Pope Francis

Final Thoughts:

The Transfiguration is not just about seeing Jesus differently—it’s about seeing ourselves differently. It invites us to reflect His light in the valleys of our lives. Just as the disciples had to descend the mountain and face the Cross, we are called to bring the glory of that mountaintop into our daily struggles.

Conclusion:

May we not merely admire Christ’s Transfiguration, but seek our own. May we climb higher in prayer, in community, and in love—so that we too may shine with the light of God’s glory.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
You revealed Your glory on the holy mountain to strengthen the faith of Your disciples.
Transform our hearts.
Open our ears to listen to You more attentively.
Give us the grace to seek Your presence in prayer and in others.
May the light of Your Transfiguration guide us in times of doubt,
and may we become radiant witnesses of Your love in the world.
Amen.

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