Greetings on this the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9
Summary
As the visions during the night continued, I saw. Lord, it is good that we are here (Dn 7:13; Mt 17:4).
The more we want to see, we see.
The more we want to hear, we hear.
The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth (Ps 92:1a).
Jesus changed everything, how we see him, how we see others, how we see creation.
His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him (about his Exodus, his mission) (Mt 17:2b-3).
The Church exists to lead us into this dynamic of listening and decision-making, in which we come to understand for whom we are to live and how we are to live. The Church is the community in which we learn to discern the voice of God, which never simply coincides with our own opinions, and to dare to obey the Holy Spirit, who makes bold and creative all those who choose to follow Jesus. While we are “disfigured” by separating ourselves from him and from others, we are transfigured through the bonds that nourish and call us to life. Franciscan spirituality, in which you have been formed, is among the most attentive to restoring fundamental relationships with God and with all his creatures. Today, more than ever, this is a harmony that needs to be safeguarded and cultivated.
See: https://aleteia.org/2026/08/06/pope-leos-transfiguration-homily-in-assisi/
Reflection
Today the Lord Jesus Christ shone with splender on the mountain.
Personal Reflection
(Join in) the descent of Peter, James and John from the high mountain of the Transfiguration. May your return be reflective, open to the future and committed to Jesus Christ. He trusts you, counts on you and remains always with you. - Pope Leo XIV, today on the Transfiguration at Assisi.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080626.cfm
Footnote: Here is a reflection on Transfiguration from 2020. My Mom had just recently died (Feb-2020) and COVID-19 has appeared on the scene – six years ago now. I buried her in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NYC, just before the shutdown of the city. https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2020/03/12/transfiguration/
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry