The feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th.  It commemorates one of the highest points of Jesus' earthly life, when he revealed his divinity to three of his closest disciples by means of a miraculous and supernatural light. 

Before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Christ climbed to a high point on Mount Tabor with his disciples Peter, James, and John. While Jesus prayed on the mountain, his appearance was changed by a brilliant white light which shone from him and from his clothing. During this event, the Old Testament figures of Moses and the prophet Elijah also appeared. The presence of Moses and Elijah shows how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. In the Old Testament, the Levitical law was given to God’s people as a temporary administration, demonstrating their need for a Savior. Later, the prophets told of a coming Messiah, who would mend the rift between God and man that had been caused by sin. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that, as Jesus stood transfigured, the voice of God was heard telling the disciples that Jesus is his “beloved Son”.

On August 6, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI described how the events of the Transfiguration display Christ as the “full manifestation of God's light. This The presence of Moses and Elijah shows how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. In the Old Testament, the Levitical law was given to God’s people as a temporary administration, demonstrating their need for a Savior. Later, the prophets told of a coming Messiah, who would mend the rift between God and man that had been caused by sin. Jesus was the only man able to satisfy the Law, the perfect, sinless sacrifice. The presence of Moses and Elijah shows how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. In the Old Testament, the Levitical law was given to God’s people as a temporary administration, demonstrating their need for a Savior. Later, the prophets told of a coming Messiah, who would mend the rift between God and man that had been caused by sin. Jesus was the only man able to satisfy the Law, the perfect, sinless sacrifice. Light which shines forth from Christ both at the Transfiguration and after his resurrection, is ultimately triumphant over “the power of the darkness of evil.”  Pope Benedict said, “we urgently need to emerge from the darkness of evil, to experience the joy of the children of light!” 

My Transfigured Lord, You promise suffering and death to all who follow You, but You also promise the hope that awaits those who endure. Grant me the grace to endure every cross in life, uniting my sufferings with Yours, so that I may one day partake in the glory of eternal life in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.                                                                                                               

– Courtesy, in part, Franciscan Media