Beholding the Uncreated Light

Dan 7,9-10.13-14, Psalm: 96, 2Pt 1,16-19, Lk 9:28b-36

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today we stand with Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor, witnessing the veil of Christ’s humanity lifted to reveal the glory of the Eternal Son. In a world darkened by sin and suffering, this Feast ignites our hope: The God who transfigures Christ will transfigure us and all creation.

In today’s first reading, Daniel beholds the “Ancient One” on a fiery throne, with countless angels attending Him. Then, “One like a Son of Man” approaches, receiving “dominion, glory, and kingship” that endures forever. This apocalyptic vision reveals Christ’s divine authority over history.

The “Ancient One” is God the Father; the “Son of Man” is Christ (cf. Mt 26:64). This prophecy declares Christ’s eternal triumph over the “beasts” of earthly tyranny and evil. As Pope Benedict XVI taught: “Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but it is in this world… transforming it from within” (Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. 1). The Transfiguration fulfills this vision: Jesus is the divine Son to whom all authority belongs. When powers of darkness seem to prevail, we look to the Son of Man coming on the clouds—the true Ruler of history.

In today’s Gospel, Peter declares: “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty… when He received honor and glory from God the Father.” He anchors Christian hope in the historical event of the Transfiguration—a “lamp shining in a dark place” until Christ returns. Peter counters early Gnostic denials of Christ’s divinity by appealing to sensory experience (“we heard… we saw”). The Transfiguration confirms Christ’s identity as True God and True Man. The Catechism teaches: “For a moment, Jesus discloses His divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession [that He is the Christ]” (CCC 555). This event fortifies us for the scandal of the Cross.

St. Thomas Aquinas explains why Christ revealed His glory: “To strengthen the apostles’ hearts against the coming scandal of the Passion” (Summa, III, Q.45). Pope Francis adds: “The Transfiguration teaches us that trials are overcome by keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus” (Angelus, March 8, 2020). Like Peter, we cling to this memory in darkness.

Jesus’ face shines like the sun; His clothes become “dazzling white.” Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) bear witness. The Father’s voice thunders: “This is My chosen Son; listen to Him!” The disciples see Christ’s glory—a preview of Resurrection and Parousia.

In this event of Jesus’ transfiguration, three key truths are revealed: First, Christ’s Divinity: The radiance is the Uncreated Light of God (Ex 34:29-35). Second, Trinitarian Presence: Father’s voice, Son’s glory, Spirit’s “overshadowing” cloud (Lk 9:34). Third, Fulfillment of Scripture: Moses and Elijah confirm Jesus as the culmination of God’s plan.

Pope St. Leo the Great preached: “The Transfiguration’s purpose was to remove the scandal of the Cross from the disciples’ hearts… by revealing His glorious majesty” (Sermon 51). And also, St. Teresa of Ávila urges: “Fix your eyes on the Transfigured Christ to find strength in trials.” Tabor is a promise: our sufferings, united to Christ, will end in glory (Rom 8:17).

To live as Tabor Witnesses in our daily lives, let us try to

1. “Listen to Him!” (The Father’s Command):
   Prioritize Christ’s words in Scripture and the Eucharist over the world’s noise. St. Padre Pio advised: “In dark times, close your eyes and say, ‘Jesus, I trust in You.’”
2. Carry the Tabor Light into Darkness:
   The disciples descended to heal a demon-possessed boy (Lk 9:37-43). We, too, bring Christ’s light to suffering. St. Mother Teresa said: “Let no one come to you without leaving happier.”
3. Let Prayer Transfigure You:
   Jesus was transfigured while praying (Lk 9:29). Pope Benedict XVI taught: “Prayer is the crucible where our actions are purified and illuminated” (General Audience, May 4, 2011).

Today, Daniel’s throne of fire, Peter’s eyewitness testimony, and Tabor’s blinding light converge to shatter the world’s darkness. The Father’s command echoes still: “This is My beloved Son—LISTEN TO HIM!”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, we are not meant to live on Tabor—but to carry its light into the valley of shadows. Fix your eyes on the transfigured Christ. Let His radiance purify your vision. Then go forth—reflecting His glory to a world yearning for dawn. For as St. Catherine of Siena promised: “If you become what you are meant to be, you will set the whole world ablaze!” Amen.