Thursday, August 6, 2009

Transfiguration of the Lord - Feast (August 6)



The feast of the Transfiguration is based in part on this Gospel account from Luke 9:27-32.

"Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until
they see the kingdom of God. About eight days after he said this, he took Peter,
John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face
changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two
men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke
of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his
companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his
glory and the two men standing with him."

Father Longenecker shares these insights:

At the Transfiguration Christ's glory is revealed to the Apostles in the
midst of Elijah and Moses because they were given the same grace:
  • Moses on Mt Sinai, and then

  • Elijah on Mt. Horeb (and did you know that Horeb is just another name for
    Sinai?)

So Elijah went to the same holy mountain where Moses had encountered God. But
their epiphanies were complementary.

  • Moses beheld God in the earthquake, fire and thunder on the mountain.

  • Elijah in the still, small voice.

Both pointed to the coming of Christ the Tiger.
He who comes with the power and majesty of God, but in the form of the meek
and gentle Master. He is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God.

Peter, James and John
witness the Transfiguration of Jesus.
He becomes as dazzling as the sun.
His Father in the heavens identifies Jesus
as his Son.


"This is my beloved Son on whom my favor rests. Listen to him."



Sources:

Holy Cards For Your Inspiration (image above right)
carr.org
Standing on My Head
Matthew 17:1-9
Mark 9:2-8
Luke 9:28-36
Bible Verse Finder

Bellini (artist) image above left

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