Saint Callistus

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4

Second Reading: 2 Timothy1:8-10

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Today’s Gospel celebrates the transfiguration.

Christ came not just to make us nice people or morally upright folks but rather to give us a share in his divine life, to make us denizens of heaven, people capable of living in that new environment.

What gave the first Christians this conviction? The answer is the resurrection—and the great anticipation of the resurrection, which is the transfiguration. This ordinary Jesus somehow became transformed, elevated, enhanced in his manner of being. 

The first thing we notice is that his appearance becomes more beautiful. These somewhat grubby bodies of ours are destined for a transfigured, elevated beauty. 

Secondly, in his transfigured state, Jesus transcends space and time, since he is talking with Moses and Elijah. In this world, we are caught in one moment of space and time, but in heaven, we will live in the eternal now of God’s life. 

Have you ever noticed that even as we appreciate all that is wonderful about this life, we are never really at home? There is a permanent restlessness about human life. But a higher, richer, more beautiful, and spiritually fulfilling life awaits us.