Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus

Jesus’ divine glory was revealed on Mount Tabor in Galilee (Matthew 17:1-6; Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:28-36).  This is known as the Transfiguration of  Jesus , a  feast we celebrate on August 6.  

The Gospel stories tell us that Jesus and three friends, Peter, James and John,  left everyone else and went up a high mountain. There, something happened to Jesus—he changed in front of them as his divinity burst forth.

“His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light” (Matthew 17:2). The two great prophets, Moses and Elijah stood next to Jesus, talking with him. Then a bright cloud came over them, a traditional image used to convey the holy presence of God, and God’s voice said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

Do you remember another time in the gospels when we heard these words ?

Why is this an important feast day in the Church? Because it is a moment when Jesus reveals who he truly is: both fully human and fully divine. As such, this is a moment that shows us who we really are as well—this is an image of the holiness that we strive for in both body and soul, and that will be granted us at the end of time.