6 August 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
Open in the Daily Word appAlso: മലയാളം
“Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”” Luke 9:35
Jesus takes Peter, John and James up the mountain to pray. “And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” Moses and Elijah appear in glory and speak with him “of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” The Law and the Prophets bear witness to Christ, and they speak of the Cross. The glory of Tabor and the darkness of Calvary belong together.
Peter, overwhelmed, says: “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” The Old Testament reading recalls the Feast of Booths, when Israel lived in tents to remember God's care in the desert. But a cloud overshadows them, the cloud of God's presence, and a voice says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice has spoken, “Jesus was found alone.” He is the true dwelling of God among us.
At Sinai God came down on the mountain in fire and cloud, and the people could not approach. On Tabor the glory of God shines in the face of a man, and the disciples are touched by him: “Get up and do not be afraid.” St Peter later writes that he and the others “were eyewitnesses of his majesty… we ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.” Our faith rests on what the apostles saw and heard.
The Transfiguration shows us our own future. The light that shone from Christ is the glory he will share with those who belong to him. Isaiah says: “The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Paul can only exclaim: “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” In the season that now begins, the Church contemplates the glory of Christ and prepares for his coming.
Theme: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
On the mountain the glory of the Son shines through his humanity. Moses and Elijah speak with him about his departure in Jerusalem. The glory is revealed to strengthen the disciples for the Cross.
“Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” Exodus 34:29
“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” Matthew 17:2
Apply: Spend time in prayer before the Lord this week, and let him change you.
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet.” Deuteronomy 18:15
“Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”” Luke 9:35
Apply: Before each decision this week ask: what does Jesus say about this?
“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Apply: Offer one present suffering to the Lord, trusting that it leads to glory.
The Transfiguration gives us a glimpse of Easter in the middle of the journey to the Cross.
Let us listen to the Son and let his light transform us.
Take-home resolution: Keep the rest of the Fifteen Days' Fast faithfully, with Mary.
Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus took Peter, John and James up a mountain to pray. And while he was praying, his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white. For a moment the disciples saw who he really is: the Son of God, full of glory.
Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with him. About what? About “his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”, that is, his Passion and death. On the mountain of glory they speak of the Cross. The Transfiguration was given to strengthen the disciples, so that when they saw Jesus disfigured on Calvary they would remember Tabor.
Peter wanted to stay: “It is good for us to be here; let us make three tents.” But a cloud covered them, and the Father spoke: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Then they saw only Jesus. The Christian life is not about staying on the mountain; it is about listening to Jesus and going down with him to serve.
The light of Tabor is also our future. St Paul says we shall be changed into his likeness. Every Holy Qurbono is a little Tabor: we go up to the altar, we see the Lord with the eyes of faith, and we come down to live his word. Today, climb the mountain: spend fifteen minutes in silence with the Lord, and listen to him. Amen.
Children, Jesus went up a mountain with three friends. While he prayed, his face shone like the sun and his clothes became bright white!
Then a cloud came and God the Father said: “This is my Son. Listen to him!”
How can we listen to Jesus? By reading the Bible and doing what he says. Let's be good listeners!
Lord Jesus, transfigured on the holy mountain, you showed your disciples the glory that was yours before the Cross. Teach us to listen to you, to go up the mountain in prayer, and to come down again to serve; and bring us at last to see your face in the light that never fades. Amen.