Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 9:28-36

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Reflection

The Transfiguration of Jesus, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative moments that can occur when we encounter the divine. The disciples see Jesus in His glory alongside Moses and Elijah, symbolising the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets. Such profound experiences can strengthen our faith and provide clarity and encouragement during challenging times. We are called to seek and cherish these moments of divine revelation, allowing them to transform our understanding and deepen our commitment to God’s mission.

During the Transfiguration, a voice from the cloud declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” This directive emphasises the importance of heeding Jesus’ teachings, especially when faced with confusion or doubt. As the disciples grappled with the reality of Jesus’ impending suffering and death, the command to listen to Him became crucial for their journey. We are reminded to prioritise Jesus’ words and guidance in our own lives, trusting that His wisdom will lead us through uncertainty and help us navigate the complexities of our faith journey.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

The things that we love tell us what we are.

– Saint Thomas Aquinas

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.