Follow Jesus up the Mountain - Homily Feast of the Transfiguration

Inspired by a reflection of Michael Moore OMI

Praise be Jesus Christ.

Most of us live an ordinary and usual life. It’s truth for most of us.

The apostles were living life as usual; if a life walking with Jesus on earth was usual. But after 3 years, maybe, they felt life had become ordinary and usual. Peter was so comfortable that 6 days before, he rebuked Jesus when he foretold of his passion.

Then Jesus took them up the mountain.

At first, it was nothing unusual. Jesus often went to the mountains to pray. But for Peter, James, and John something wonderful was about to happen. He was transfigured before them, his clothes became dazzling white. His face shone like the sun.

Imagine the surprise, shock, and astonishment of the men with Jesus. All Peter could say, Lord, it is wonderful to be here. 

But the words they heard; This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. 

Words that mean just as much today as they did then. As important to us as they were to the ones who first heard them. Because, the good news Jesus speaks is life-giving and life-changing.

If we open our hearts to his words they change us. They will nourish and sustain us. They give us a glimpse of Jesus in all his glory and a taste of the promise of what is to come.

To follow Jesus up that mountain encourages and challenges us to venture away from life as usual; because as followers of Christ, our lives are more than the ordinary and usual. The Transfiguration reminds us we Jesus to a life of meaning and purpose by realizing God’s promise to us.

Celebrating the Transfiguration is to experience hope in Jesus Christ. His words are the promise of eternal life. This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.

We may never experience anything as powerful as the Transfiguration; but, in countless ways, God does come into our daily lives.  

In moments of peace, joy, reconciliation, or forgiveness, God is with us. In every act of compassion we share, God reaches out to us and through us. Those are moments of transfiguration for ourselves and those we help.

Lord it is wonderful to be here; open our hearts to hear Jesus.

Praise be Jesus Christ. Forever and ever. Amen.