Happy Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Throughout Christ’s ministry the apostles were blessed to witness many signs and wonders of the glory and divinity of Jesus, but the Transfiguration stands above other scenes as a bright window into the splendor of the Lord and his heavenly kingdom. On top of Mount Tabor the Lord’s appearance was changed, it was transfigured so that “his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.” In that moment, the glory and divinity of Jesus was physically reflected in his human body as if a veil had been temporarily lifted. It is a moment where the Incarnation was clearly demonstrated; Jesus is both God and man. The Word of God chose to share in our humanity so that we might share in His glory. He took on human flesh so the heavenly Father could also say of us, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’. All we must do is ‘listen to him’ (Mt. 17:5). But in our sinfulness it is sometimes difficult to see this at work in our lives. This is why the Holy Spirit guides us to reflect on how this has already been perfectly accomplished in another, in the Blessed Virgin Mary. No one ever loved or listened to the Lord better than Mary.

Immaculately conceived, she was free from all stains of sin. Perfectly holy and being the Mother of God, she has been crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. She is not God, yet she shares in Christ’s majesty like none other. Mary’s glory has also been demonstrated repeatedly throughout history. Yet, the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima stands above other moments in history in a similar way to how the Transfiguration was a special example of Christ’s divinity. On October 13, 1917 over 70,000 people had gathered to witness the anticipated apparition. After hours of heavy rain, after Mary gave her final message to pray the Rosary and repent, the clouds parted. The Holy Family was seen beside the sun which had burst forth like an immense silver disk. It spun and danced in the sky and its radiant light showered dazzling colors which reflected off of the peoples’ garments! And the once drenched people now stood dry and amazed. The sign couldn’t be more clear, Mary has been robed in the glory of Jesus and both he and she invite us to likewise share in such majesty. If only we would listen to her message! So, today, on this first Saturday of the month, let us renew our devotion to her, confess our sins, pray the Rosary, and receive the Blessed Sacrament. Let us do so in reparation for the world, for the salvation of ourselves and our families, and for the reign of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! “In the End, my Immaculate Heart will Triumph”