Daily Gospel Reflection for August 6, 2023: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus never loses its wonder. Peter, James, and John, who seem to be the ones who get to do all the fun things with Jesus, had no idea what was in store for them this day.

Upon this mountain, Jesus becomes as bright as the sun, Moses and Elijah appear, Peter wants to put up tabernacles, or tents, for them. It was all good until there came the cloud and the voice saying,

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

I think I would be startled, too, if a cloud spoke. I think I would fall to the ground, too, when I figured out that it was the voice of God.

However, God's last three words of the sentence deserve some thought. “Listen to him.”

Pope Leo I wrote, “Listen to him. I am manifested through his preaching. I am glorified through his humility. So listen to him without hesitation. He is the truth and the life. He is my strength and wisdom. ‘Listen to him’ who by his blood redeemed the world, who binds the devil and seizes his vessels, who breaks the debt of sin and the bondage of iniquity. ‘Listen to him’ who opens the way to heaven and by the pain of the cross prepares for you the steps of ascent into his kingdom.”

We may not always want to hear what God has to say, however, Pope Leo I’s description of Jesus as the truth, life, strength, wisdom, and freedom, brings a new prayer to my lips: “Speak, Father, I am listening.”

Ponder:

Does knowing that God is the truth, life, strength, and wisdom help you grow in trust to make it easier to not only listen but to heed His word?

Pray:

Almighty Father, please give us grace to not be afraid to hear Your voice, to not be afraid of what You have in store for us, and and to trust in the power of Your Son.