Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 6 Aug ’24. He was transfigured

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 6 August 2024

Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday

Transfiguration of the Lord, Feast

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or 2 Peter 1:16-19. Mark 9:2-9

He was transfigured!

Today we celebrate the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord. The feast was announced to be celebrated on this day (6 August) because of Pope Callixtus III in 1456 AD, who invited the Roman church to remember the peace established after the siege of Belgrade. Pope Saint John XXIII added the feast to be part of the luminous mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The event of transfiguration is recalled on the second Sunday of Lent as well.

The feast includes three elements:

(a) The Glory of Christ Revealed

High mountain, dazzling clothes, light, Elijah, Moses, cloud, voice from the cloud – all these words and expressions represent the revelation of Christ’s glory. This revelation underscores Jesus’ divinity and his fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets.

(b) The Call to Transformation

Peter’s desire to build three tents highlights the human tendency to cling to profound spiritual experiences. God’s command to ‘listen to Him’ emphasises the need for obedience and attentiveness to Jesus’ teachings.

(c) Strength for the Journey

The Transfiguration strengthens the disciples for the coming challenges of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion. We too face trials and tribulations, but the glimpse of Christ’s glory gives us hope and courage. Jesus wanted his disciples to see Mount Tabor in connection with Mount Calvary.

What are the lessons for us?

(a) Christ’s light enlightens us

The apostles, who stood in front of the transfigured Jesus, were able to see themselves better. God’s light enlightens us. It takes us to self-realisation.

(b) Listening to Christ

‘To listen’ means ‘to obey.’ Obedience is, in fact, listening with the heart.

(c) Being silent

Silence is a key factor in spiritual experience. Silence gives space-time for understanding and living out.

#

Transfiguration invites us to a transformation of ourselves. The light that shines brightly outside is the light that shines inside. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 166).

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy