Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Mt 17:1-9

In the gospel for the Feast of the Transfiguration we come to understand that transfiguration means to be transformed or changed. Peter, James and John experience Jesus in a transformed state because “He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.”

How fortunate Peter, James and John were that they were taken by Jesus to a special place to pray. It is in this time of prayer that the transfiguration takes place. The change in Jesus is so sudden and visible that the three become frightened. The light which changes Jesus completely was not only external but seemed to be shining from inside him. We have to remember that It was the human Jesus who was transfigured. It was the glowing face of the human Jesus who always followed God’s will. 

This is the lesson for us. Just as Jesus changed during this intimate experience with God, so too, we must take time away for prayer and be open to whatever we experience during that special time. We probably will never be transformed as Jesus visibly was, but hopefully, over time, we will be transformed interiorly as we grow closer to our loving God. Hopefully, with every prayer time we will become better people each day. Hopefully, our growing goodness and compassion will lead others to change as well.

What would you pray to be changed in you during your prayer time?

What exterior behaviors do you portray to others? Are they positive?