Some Saturdays my husband works all day in the yard or on the car and is covered with dirt and grease. Then he stops so we can get ready to go to evening Mass. When he comes out all cleaned up, and in his slacks and bleach-white dress shirt, I am in awe. I say “Boy, you sure clean up well!” The change is dramatic.
This Sunday the gospel reading was about the transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor, in which Peter, James and John witness a dramatic change in Jesus. “He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2) The dazzling light of the divinity of Jesus made a lasting impression on them.
Transfigure means to change. More specifically, to change for the better. It’s not just the Lord that can be transfigured. We are called to be transfigured also! But how do we do that? Well, God himself gives us the answer right after Jesus was transfigured. He states, “This is my beloved son. Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7) Just as Moses’s face became radiant when he spent time with the Lord, we too can we be transfigured and radiate His love to others if we spend time with Him and listen to Him.
Your change for the better may be to smile more often, instead of walking around with a sour face all day. Or, to say positive things about others, instead of negative. Listen to the Lord and let him transform you for the better. His light will shine through you… and the change will be dazzling!