The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory, A Call to Service

What the Transfiguration Reveals About Who Jesus Really Is

The Transfiguration is one of the most striking events in the Gospels. Jesus takes Peter, James,

and John up a high mountain. There, before their eyes, He is transfigured. His face shines like

the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, and the

voice of the Father speaks from a cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.”

For the disciples, this was more than a supernatural moment. It was a turning point in their understanding of who Jesus truly was. They had seen Him heal the sick and teach with authority, but this was something different. Here, Jesus revealed His divine nature. The event affirmed that He was the Son of God.

Why the Glory of the Transfiguration Was Meant to Be Temporary

The glory the disciples witnessed was not meant to be a permanent experience. It was a brief but powerful moment of revelation. It happened just before Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem, where He would suffer and die. The timing mattered. The Transfiguration gave the disciples a clear sign that Jesus' suffering would not be the end. His path would lead to Resurrection and glory.

In our lives, we may receive similar moments of clarity or grace. There are times when we feel

close to God or see His presence in an unmistakable way. These moments are important because

they help sustain our faith, especially when we return to daily struggles or responsibilities.

Faith Is Meant to Move Us

The disciples’ reaction on the mountain was understandable. Peter wanted to stay. “Lord, it is

good that we are here,” he said. But Jesus didn’t allow them to remain. The vision was not the

destination. It was preparation. They descended the mountain and returned to everyday life,

where they would continue to walk with Jesus, face confusion, and witness His suffering.

This rhythm is familiar in the Christian life. We may encounter God in prayer, worship, or

community. But those experiences are meant to lead us outward. They call us to serve, to love, to

be light in dark places.

A Vincentian Connection: From Prayer to Concrete Action

This call to service is at the heart of the Vincentian mission. St. Vincent de Paul understood that

love of God is expressed in love of neighbor, especially the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. For

followers of St. Vincent de Paul today this means seeing the face of Christ in the vulnerable and

responding with concrete action.

Although we may have had our moments “on the mountain,” it’s important to remember the

work happens in the valleys. It happens in the homes of those struggling to make ends meet, in

shelters and hospitals, in classrooms and food pantries. The strength to serve comes from

connection to Christ.

Living the Message of the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration reveals who Jesus is, but it also reveals who we are called to be. It reminds

us that faith opens our eyes to God’s presence and strengthens us for the mission ahead. May we

recognize the moments when God reveals Himself, and may those moments lead us to deeper

service, rooted in love, just as they did for the apostles, and just as they continue to do for the

Vincentian family today.