In today’s Gospel, St. Matthew, the Evangelist, gives an account of the transfiguration of Jesus before the Apostles. Jesus’ face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. It was an overwhelming experience for the Apostles who were with Him. It was a foretaste of the divine and the bliss of the Kingdom which Jesus offers.
The Second Reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter was a testimony of the transfiguration. St. Peter noted that they “did not follow cleverly devised myths” in order to proclaim their experience of the transfiguration. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ glory. It was a life-changing experience for the Apostles Peter, James, and John. For them to suggest to just stay there revealed much of the transfiguration. They want to abandon their families, livelihood, and land. They were never the same again after that experience.
We, too, want a similar experience—how to have a foretaste of heaven and experience the divine Jesus. In reality, every day we always have that chance to experience the Divine Jesus. Jesus instituted the Eucharist precisely for that purpose and more. At Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is not a matter of our faith that it happens; it is a matter of faith to believe it. Those who have faith will have a “transfiguration experience.” Those who lack or do not have faith only see movements on the altar.
What we do with the experience is another important matter. Jesus warned the Apostles Peter, James, and John as they were coming down from the mountain not to tell the vision to anyone “until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” It means that Jesus still has a mission to fulfill. In our case, the transfiguration experience is a gift that has a corresponding task. It includes witnessing for the Gospel, proclaiming Jesus’ words and deeds, and living a life of faith. Fr. Benny Tuazon
---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------
As the consecration happens every time you attend Mass, imagine that you are with the Apostles, witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration. How does it affect you?
What a wonderful gift You have given us in the Eucharist. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Today, I pray for: ___________________________
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