A reading from the gospel according to Luke 9:28B-36:

28B Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.
29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.
30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying.
34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflection: Transfiguration

Previously, Jesus goes up to a mountain all by Himself to pray but in the Transfiguration story, He took with Him three of His apostles. Prior to this event, Jesus announced His impending suffering and death and the apostles particularly Peter got confused and even tried to disagree with Him. The Transfiguration event therefore was an experience to reassure them of Jesus’ divinity.

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Going up to a high mountain to meet the divine is not something new to the Transfiguration story. In the Old Testament, God met Moses on Mount Sinai and Elijah on Mount Horeb. According to tradition, the Transfiguration event happened on Mount Tabor.

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Prayer is the key to understanding the Transfiguration event. We encounter God in prayer and there is no proper place to pray except in a place where there is silence, a place away from the crowd. Praying is not always asking God for something but more importantly, being with Him.

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In the Transfiguration event, the voice of God the Father was heard for the second time. The first time was during the baptism of Jesus. The Father reiterated that Jesus was His chosen Son and then added a command: listen to Him. This is an assurance to the apostles so that they will not doubt about who Jesus is and that they should all the more keep faith in Him by listening to Him.

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Life is a journey filled with moments of struggle, doubt, and uncertainty. We often find ourselves caught between the weight of daily challenges and the longing for something greater—something beyond this world. In the Gospel reading above, we witness a moment of divine revelation that reminds us of God’s power and presence, a moment that transforms our understanding of who Jesus truly is.

This passage describes the Transfiguration of Jesus. He takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, and as He prays, something extraordinary happens — His appearance changes, His clothes become dazzling white, and He is joined by Moses and Elijah. The disciples, though drowsy, witness this heavenly encounter. Then, a cloud envelops them, and they hear the voice of God declaring, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

A Glimpse of His Glory
The Transfiguration is one of the most powerful moments in Jesus’ ministry. It reveals His divine nature, confirming that He is not just a great teacher or a prophet but truly the Son of God. His radiant glory reflects the holiness and majesty of God Himself.

Sometimes, in our own lives, God gives us glimpses of His glory, moments when we feel His presence deeply, when we experience His love in an undeniable way. It could be through answered prayers, unexpected blessings, or simply the peace that surpasses all understanding during difficult times. These moments strengthen our faith and remind us that there is more to life than what we see.

The Importance of Being Present with God
Peter, overwhelmed by what he sees, suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, as if trying to prolong the moment. But before he can finish speaking, a cloud covers them, and God’s voice is heard. This reminds us that sometimes, instead of trying to control or hold on to divine moments, we simply need to be present and listen to God.

In our fast-paced world, we are often too busy to pause and be in God’s presence. We get caught up in responsibilities, distractions, and worries, forgetting that what we truly need is to spend time with Him. Jesus took His disciples up the mountain to pray, showing us that prayer and communion with God are essential in our spiritual journey.

Are we making time to be alone with God? Are we pausing to hear His voice? True transformation happens not in the noise of the world but in the quiet moments with Him.

Listen to Him
The voice of God declares, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” This command is simple yet profound. If we want to grow in faith, if we want to experience God’s power, we must listen to Jesus.

Listening to Jesus means trusting His words, following His teachings, and obeying His commands. It means allowing His truth to shape our decisions, our actions, and our hearts. When we listen to Him, we find direction in confusion, strength in weakness, and hope in despair.

Descending from the Mountain
After this glorious encounter, Jesus and His disciples come down from the mountain. The experience was temporary, but its impact was lasting. The disciples were transformed, and their understanding of Jesus deepened.

In the same way, we may have moments of spiritual highs—retreats, worship experiences, or personal encounters with God—but we are not meant to stay there. We are called to bring that renewed faith into our daily lives, to let our encounters with God change how we live, love, and serve.

The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is the Son of God, full of glory and truth. It teaches us to seek His presence, to listen to Him, and to allow His divine light to transform us. When we truly see Jesus for who He is, our lives will never be the same.

Let us take time to be with God, to listen to His voice, and to carry His light wherever we go. The world needs His glory, and through us, His love can shine. Amen.

For further reflection, go here.