This feast became widespread in the West in the 11th century and was introduced into the Roman calendar in 1457 to commemorate the victory over Islam in
Theme: It is good for us to be here.
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Luke 9:35)
Beloved in Christ, today we join the universal Church in celebrating the solemn feast of the Lord's transfiguration which took place at Mount Tabor. The scenario defined the glory bestowed upon our Lord by His Father; giving credence to the two major arms of the Jewish tradition: the law and the prophets which Moses represented the former and Elijah the latter.
This glory manifested in today's celebration was already foretold by Prophet Daniel in a vision where the Ancient of days (God) was seen given the Measiah and Saviour to come dominion and glory and kingdom, with a command that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; since His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away (cf. Daniel 7:9-10.13-14).
It is on account of this scenario that, Evangelist Luke in today's gospel pericope recorded in detail the Transfiguration event and the endorsement of the "messianic service" of our Lord with the words:
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Luke 9:35).
The announcement came simultaneously as the Apostles - Peter, James and John we're lost in divine ecstasy; an experience described by Anastasius of Sinai in his sermon on the feast of the Transfiguration as: "blessed and more sublime" moment to be with God. For when we are with God we are being transfigured into His image and likeness which we were originally created (cf. Genesis 1:26).
This feast of our Lord, invites us to a wonderful experience of our God. As the shining light, the darkness of our path will be dispelled, those who were caught up with fear like the Apostles will be strengthened as God did, by defining who Christ was to them. This was said for the Apostles to be focused and look beyond what they saw.
Finally, beloved in Christ as He has been transformed, may we hold firm to this experience in our lives so that we may come to the reality of the transfigured redeemer, become His coheirs with sure hope beyond human telling.
Peace! Be with you.
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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