The Solemnity of the Transfiguration – Sunday, August 6, 2023
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August 5, 2023The Solemnity of the Transfiguration – Sunday, August 6, 2023
Matthew 17:5 Et ecce vos de nube, dicens: Hic est Filius meus dilectus, in quo mihi bene complacui ipsum audite. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him.
Matthew 17:7 Et accessit Jesus, et tetigit eos, dixitque eis: Surgite, et nolite timere. Jesus came and touched them, and said to them: Arise, and fear not.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This is unusual because it is celebrated on a Sunday only when August 6 falls on a Sunday. Nevertheless, we hear of this great manifestation each year in the gospel of the Second Sunday of Lent.
The Transfiguration took place before the Lord’s death and Resuurection. He revealed Himself in this extraordinary way to His inner circle of apostles (Peter, James, and John) so that they would not lose heart when faced with His death on the cross and that they may readily recognize Him after the Resurrection. No cross-no crown, Christians often say. Yes, the only way to heaven is through the death and Resurrection of our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Way, the Truth, and Life.
Nevertheless, down through the centuries (in what will be two thousand years ten years from now in 2033), the Church has had some discouraging and rough times. In our own lives we can be tempted to quit when life gets rough. We can be tempted to give up before the race is finished. The world, the flesh, and the devil are clever and attack us in so many ways. We can even become fearful.
The Risen Lord said in His Resurrection appearances: “Do not be afraid! He said this to the apostles at the Transfiguration. He continues to say the same to us as we go through life. He gives us courage, by his amazing grace, in the face of fear. What must we do? The Father tells us over and over: “Hear ye Him!”
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
