Today’s feast of the Transfiguration recalls an event when, for a few moments, the veil is lifted and the glory of the Lord shines forth from Jesus in all its splendor upon Peter, James, and John, the chosen witnesses. For the disciples, this vision of glory will be “a lamp shining in a dark place” during the Passion, to quote Peter’s words in today’s second reading. It is a moment of extraordinary grace that is given to strengthen their faith in preparation for times of temptation and trial. Perhaps the memory of this very moment—along with the memories of Jesus’s resurrection appearances, of course—strengthened the disciples when they themselves faced persecution and even martyrdom for the sake of their faith.
Each of us, too, has received in our own lives of faith moments of extraordinary grace, perhaps even moments of vision, which are given to us to prepare our hearts for moments of trial. Today, as we celebrate the Transfiguration, let us remember these singular moments of grace that the Lord has given us, giving thanks that he has revealed something of his glory to us. And may this remembrance of grace increase our hunger for that full vision of glory when we stand before the Lord and find all revealed in the glorious splendor of his light.