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GOSPEL | Luke 9:28b-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
EVERY WEEK QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Do you listen to Christ, or just admire Him from a distance?
The Transfiguration is a moment of divine revelation—Jesus is unveiled in His glory before Peter, James, and John. Yet, even in this sacred moment, the disciples struggle to grasp what is happening. Peter, caught up in the awe, tries to control the experience by building tents, as if he could keep the moment from passing. But God interrupts him: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
How often do we act like Peter? We may admire Jesus, even seek Him in prayer, but when He speaks, do we truly listen and respond—or do we rush to contain Him within our own expectations?
Psychological studies confirm that humans are naturally inclined to hear what they want to hear (Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2021). We filter information through our biases, often ignoring truths that challenge us. Spiritually, this means we can hear about Christ without truly listening to Him.
Moses and Elijah appear because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). He is not just another religious leader—He is the voice we must obey. The Catechism (CCC 459) states: “Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’” The Father’s command to “listen to him” is not just an invitation; it is a command to follow Him completely.
Are we truly listening to Christ, or do we only take in what is comfortable? The Transfiguration invites us to move beyond admiration to obedience.
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Truly listening to Christ: When you pray, do you simply talk to God, or do you take time to listen? How can you grow in actively hearing His voice?
Letting go of control: Like Peter, do you try to “build tents” around spiritual experiences, holding onto comfort rather than following where Christ leads? What fears keep you from fully surrendering to His plan?
Obedience over admiration: If someone observed your daily life, would they see a disciple who listens and obeys Christ, or just someone who admires Him from a distance? What one change can you make to deepen your obedience?
LIVE IT
Going around, affirm one particular way that person has inspired you by his/her attentiveness to God's voice and willingness to follow Christ’s call. Encourage him/her.
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