The Fourth Luminous Mystery
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS
| Meditation: | The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to "listen to him" (cf. Luke 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit. (Pope John Paul II, The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, para. 21) Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was in prayer, his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. Two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, appearing in glory and speaking of the exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.... While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." (Luke 9:29-35) The uncreated of light of glory within Christ Jesus is also within you. It's revealed to the world every time you suffer for the sake of loving others and offer your pain to Jesus for their healing and redemption. By doing good when it's difficult, you get purified from your own sinfulness, and your light grows stronger. Thus so closely united to Jesus, you enter into the joy of His resurrection. |