Today we celebrate this wonderful life-changing event that
Peter, James and his brother, John were chosen to witness. (Matt. 17:1-9) Jesus took them up a high mountain and was
transfigured before them. The
illumination of this event in the new St. John’s Bible is a blinding
interpretation of what these men saw.
“Jesus' face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light,”
and they saw Moses and Elijah conversing with him. Peter shares in his 2nd letter,
that they had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ , receiving honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, ‘This is my
Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’”
Peter moved, continues. “We ourselves heard this voice,” and now “we
possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.” Speaking to his disciples and us today, “You
will do well to be attentive to it, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until
day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:16-19)
Each year when
this feast comes around I am reminded of the dark cloud that came upon this
world and our consciousness when the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima on August
6, 1945 and on Nagasaki at the end of World War II. And in these days, we know of the many bombs
being dropped in Syria, and between Israel and Gaza that cry out to the world
for reconciliation and healing. But
Jesus touches us, saying “Rise, and do not be afraid.” We raise our eyes to see “Jesus alone”, to
see all in Jesus. We believe that God
transforms even the darkest day and the darkest deeds of humans into
Light. This is the Good News! “Listen to Him!”
Let us pray on
this Feast of the Transfiguration, and Hiroshima Day, that our world may be
transformed away from war and struggles for power - toward peace.
Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB
yes, may we always remember light in the darkness that cannot be put out. thanks be to God! thank you Sister Mary for remembering.
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