The Transfiguration of the Lord shows a powerful manifestation of the Holy Trinity. Peter, James, and John go with Jesus to Mt. Tabor to pray, and Jesus is transfigured: “his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white” (Lk 9:29). The glory of the Risen Christ was revealed. The veil of His humanity was lifted, showing His divine nature: “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12). The transfigured Jesus is light itself. In heaven there is no sun or moon, no day or night. Christ Himself is the light: “for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb” (Rev 21: 23-25).
Then, a cloud overshadowed them (Lk 9: 34). The Holy Spirit is frequently symbolized by a cloud in the Old Testament. For example, a cloud represented the glory of the Lord when Moses communed with God on Mt. Sinai (Ex 24: 15-18). Inside the cloud on Mt. Tabor, the voice of God the Father testified to Christ: “This is my chosen son; listen to him” (Lk 9:35). There on the mountain, Peter, James, and John became eyewitnesses of the majesty of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together.
“Look to him that you might be radiant with joy. . .”
Psalm 34:6
When Moses entered the presence of the Lord “people would see a radiant glow of his face” (Ex 34:35). We, too, can have this joyful radiance. When we adore Jesus at the altar or in the monstrance in the adoration chapel, we look upon the Presence of the Risen Christ (CCC 1413). When we receive Him in Holy Communion, God’s Presence comes to dwell within us, and we become living tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. May we be filled with hope for our own eternal life when we consider that “he will change our lowly body to conform to his glorified body” (Phil 3:21).
Dear Jesus, please fill me with your Holy Presence when I adore and receive You in the Blessed Sacrament. Transfigure me to be more like You.