Homily: “Listen to Him” – The Glory We Were Made For

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

On the mountaintop, Peter, James, and John witness something extraordinary.

Jesus is transfigured—His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white—and suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, representing the Law and the Prophets.

And from the cloud comes the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.”

This is not just a spectacle.
It’s a revelation.
A moment of glory—meant to strengthen them for what’s to come.

The Catechism puts it this way:

“Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of His Passion. The ascent onto the ‘high mountain’ prepares for the ascent to Calvary.” (CCC 568)

In other words:
Jesus shows them His glory now, so they won’t lose hope later.
He gives them light—for the darkness that’s coming.

Because soon, they will see Him beaten, spat on, crucified.
And when that happens, He wants them to remember: “This is who I really am.”

And that message is for us too.

When life is hard—when fear rises or suffering sets in—
Remember who Jesus is.
He is not just a kind teacher.
He is the Lord of glory, and He walks with you.

Why Moses and Elijah?

Moses represents the Law. Elijah, the Prophets.
They stand beside Jesus to show us that everything in the Old Testament points to Him.

He is not a break from the Old Covenant—He is its fulfilment.
And notice: they fade. Only Jesus remains.
The Father does not say “Listen to them.”
He says, “Listen to Him.”

He is the Word made flesh.
The one to whom Scripture, history, and the human heart all ultimately lead.

What Does It Mean For Us?

It means Jesus isn’t just an example.
He is God.
Our faith isn’t a feeling—it’s divine revelation.

And it means this: if we follow Him, we too will be transfigured.

St. Thomas Aquinas taught that the Transfiguration reveals what awaits the righteous. The Eastern Fathers called salvation a participation in the divine life.
We’re not just saved from something—we’re saved for something.

And that something is glory.

That’s your destiny—if you remain in grace:
To shine with Christ.
To share in His resurrection.
To be with Him forever.

But First Comes the Cross

The Transfiguration is not the end—it’s the preparation.

Immediately after this mountaintop moment, Jesus descends into the valley and heads toward Jerusalem…
toward betrayal, agony, the cross, and the tomb.

Peter wanted to stay:

“Let us build three tents!”
But the Father says:
“Listen to Him.”
And Jesus says:
“Follow Me.”

Even when the road is hard.
Even when it leads to the cross.
Because beyond the cross—there is resurrection.

So, What Should We Do?

When life feels dark—remember the light.
When prayer is dry—remember the glory comes after faithfulness, not before.
When the Church seems tired—remember who Christ is.

And practically:

Stay close to the sacraments.
The Eucharist is our mountain. Heaven touches earth. Christ is here.

Read Scripture.
The Father still says: “Listen to Him.” Open the Word and hear His voice.

Don’t run from the cross.
Offer your trials with Christ—and you too will be transfigured.

The Transfiguration is not just Jesus shining.
It’s the veil pulled back on what awaits those who love Him.

St. Paul says: “When Christ appears, you also will appear with Him in glory.”

That’s not poetry—it’s promise.

So do not fear the darkness.
Do not sleepwalk through your faith.
Do not trade eternal glory for passing comfort.

The glory is real.
The promise is true.
And the path has been marked—by Christ, in love, through the Cross.

Every time you come to Mass, you climb that mountain again.
You hear the Word.
You witness bread and wine become Christ.
You kneel before mystery.
And though the glory is veiled—it is real.

“This is My Son… Listen to Him”

This is the Father’s command.
Not just admire. Not just agree.
Listen. Obey. Trust.

Even when the climb is steep.
Even when the clouds gather.
Even when the light feels far away.

Because if you follow Him—
if you walk in grace—
if you endure with Him—

Then one day, by His mercy,
You will see what the apostles saw—
Not for a moment, but forever.