Transfiguration: See the Lord before us

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” In today’s gospel message (Luke 9:28-36) we hear the story of the transfiguration. Jesus takes his three closest disciples, Peter, John and James, to witness the glory of the transfiguration and to see the true glory of God. The three disciples are asleep while the transfiguration begins. When they are awakened, they witness the Glory of God shining through Jesus. His garments are bright white and his face is glowing like the sun. Can you imagine what it must have been like on top of the mountain with Jesus that day? At the transfiguration, Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law of the church and Elijah the wisdom salvation. These two great men of God talked about the pending fate of Jesus. This was revealed to the three disciples. We too can be exposed to the glory of God and become witnesses of the transfiguration. The Glory of God is revealed to us every day. When we open our eyes to his glory, the transfiguration is revealed to us. We can see God for who he really is. The Holy Spirit reveals much, we just need to be receptive; we need to be awake. We can be awakened in him like Peter and John and James. We can see the radiant light shining from his face. We can hold the purity of his garments. All we need to do is awaken from our sleep and see the Lord before us.

Yesterday at Mass during the Eucharistic banquet, a small boy was approaching the Eucharistic minister with his hands cupped and raised in anticipation of receiving Jesus. He was about six or seven people away from the front of the line. You could see the excitement in his face as he approached. As he got closer his hand reached higher. And when he finally reached the Eucharist minister, he stood on his toes with his body stretching as high as he could to receive Christ. When he turned, you could see that he had witnessed the true glory of God in the Host. When we go to receive Christ, are we as excited as this little boy or are we still asleep. This boy was truly awakened by what he was about to receive. We should be awakened in the Eucharist and allow Christ to be revealed to us.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, I am a sleep, Awaken in me your spirit, keep me alert to your miracles, to your words, and your actions, Let me see your glory.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon