Aug. 6, 2026

Gospel Reflection: Glory and Mystery Combined

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Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Today

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Matthew 17:1–3

Jesus’ Transfiguration, which we celebrate today, is cloaked in glory and mystery. Only Peter, James, and John were invited to witness the event. One might think that if our Lord were going to do something so spectacular, He would have invited great crowds to ascend the mountain and witness the splendor of His divine glory. Such a public manifestation would surely convince all who saw it that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God, the promised Messiah. But that’s not what He did. Why not?

It is also quite mysterious that both Moses and Elijah were present. These two figures were among the greatest spiritual giants in the history of Israel. Why would they appear and converse with Jesus? And why, when the voice of the Father spoke from the cloud, were the apostles “very much afraid”? One might think that the voice of God would inspire jubilation, not fear.

Though we often seek answers to such questions, it is sometimes more fruitful to approach the mysterious aspects of Christ’s life not as a problem solver, but in wonder and awe—acknowledging the mystery as something glorious that will never be solved, only entered into with admiration and love. Let us consider these three mysteries of the Transfiguration through that lens.

First, consider the great blessing these three apostles received in spending this sacred time with Jesus. They were given a glimpse of His divine glory that undoubtedly strengthened their faith for what lay ahead. Rather than focus on why others were not present, we are invited to stand in awe of the grace shown to them and to recognize that we, too, are invited through faith, contemplation, and the Sacraments to ascend the mountain of prayer and behold the Lord’s glory in hidden ways God ordains.

Second, rather than trying to figure out why Moses and Elijah were present, consider the Transfiguration from their perspective. They were privileged to speak to the Son of God face-to-face. Both had encountered God on Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), and now, once again, they found themselves on a mountain, summoned by God, in the Person of the Incarnate Son of God, to behold the fulfillment of all they had proclaimed. It must have been an unspeakable joy to witness firsthand the glory of the One whom they had foreshadowed.

Finally, consider the holy fear that overtook the apostles at the sound of the Father’s voice. Though fear may seem contrary to joy, this was not fear of punishment but of overwhelming awe before the mystery and holiness of God. It was the fear that arises when one realizes he is standing in the presence of the Eternal. And when Jesus touched them and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid,” He was not dismissing that awe but transforming it into a confident love. The mystery remained, but now it was a mystery embraced.

When you read Scripture, do you approach it more as a problem solver or as a contemplative? While both approaches have their place, the contemplative always draws us more deeply into communion with God. Why? Because God is the greatest Mystery of all. He cannot be reduced to concepts or fully grasped by reason alone. We will never “figure out” God; we can only come to know and love Him as He chooses to reveal Himself.

Reflect today on how you approach divine mysteries. Receive them not merely with your intellect but with your heart. Savor what He gives, treasure the glimpses of His glory, and remain in humble awe before the mystery. For in reverent contemplation, we are not solving God, we are being drawn into His divine life.

My Transfigured Lord, I stand in awe before You—before Your majesty, Your glory, and the radiant splendor of Your divine presence. I rejoice in the great Mystery of who You are. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, so that I may enter more deeply into all the mysteries of faith. But above all, fill my soul with wonder and awe, so that I may never cease to marvel at You, now and for all eternity. Jesus, I trust in You.

Audio recording: https://youtu.be/8-y-Jof5Vjo?si=7eTO86TiHQUUUCTr