the coming glory
“Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place.” —2 Peter 1:19
The Transfiguration shows our future, what will happen to us if we are truly faithful followers of the Lord. We are destined to a divine life if we “listen to Him” and heed His words (see Mk 9:7). God plans to make us “sharers of the divine nature” (2 Pt 1:4). If we remain in Jesus to the end of our life, when Christ appears, “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 Jn 3:2). All limits shall be gone. We will live on God’s holy mountain (see Is 25:6ff; 56:7; 65:25). We will be truly living in the Promised Land.
Yet presently, we live here on earth. We keep our eyes fixed on the prophetic message (2 Pt 1:16-19) of the Word of God. We live as citizens of heaven though still on earth, in the “already, but not yet.” The Transfiguration of our Lord helps us get a glimpse of the future glory God offers to us (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1000).
On this Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, may the brilliant shining Light of the World, Jesus, light our path through the darkness of this world (Jn 1:5). Thus, focus not on the darkness but on the promises of Jesus, Who overcomes the darkness (Jn 1:5). “Light of the World,” illuminate my hope in You (Jn 9:5).
Prayer: Father, on the Mount of Transfiguration You tell me to “listen to [Jesus]” (Mk 9:7). Give me “ears open to obedience” (Ps 40:7) and a heart quick to hope, love, and obey You fully.
Promise: “He was transfigured before their eyes. His face became as dazzling as the sun, His clothes as radiant as light.” —Mt 17:2
Praise: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfill them” (Mt 5:17). Lord Jesus, Your Transfiguration brings clarity and foreshadows our own transfiguration into glory.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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