The Transfiguration
Feast Day: August 6
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us about the wonderful event of the Lord's Transfiguration. Before he suffered and died, he let three of his apostles see him shining with great glory. He did this to make their belief in him stronger.
Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up Mount Tabor which stands in the middle of Galilee. When they were alone, suddenly the Lord's face began to shine bright like the sun. His robes became white as snow. The apostles were speechless. As they watched, two famous prophets who had died a long time ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared. They were talking with Jesus. Imagine the joy those apostles felt.
"Lord," said St. Peter, "it is good for us to be here. If you wish, we could set up three tents here - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Peter really did not know what he was saying, because he was trembling with wonder and fear. As he was talking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. From the cloud they heard the voice of God the Father, saying, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."
When they heard that, the apostles were so frightened that they fell on their faces. Then Jesus came close and touched them. "Arise," he said. "Do not be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.
As they came down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until he had risen from the dead but they did not understand what Jesus meant. Only after his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday, would they understand what Jesus had really meant.