We Need Mountaintop Experiences

Reflection Date: August 06, 2026 | Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord 
Daily Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 2; Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9

Children of God:
August 6 is The Feast of the Transfiguration.

The Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the oldest celebrations in the Christian Church. 

Christians in the East had already been celebrating this mystery as early as the fourth or fifth century, especially in connection with Mount Tabor, the traditional site where Jesus revealed His glory to Peter, James, and John. 

Pilgrims traveled to the Holy Land to pray on the mountain where this extraordinary event took place. 

Churches were built there, and the memory of Christ's transfiguration became an annual celebration of His divine glory. 

In the Western Church, the feast gradually spread over the centuries through the influence of monastic communities and local dioceses. 

It became a universal feast in 1457 when Pope Callixtus III officially placed it on the Church's calendar after news reached Rome that Christian forces had successfully defended the city of Belgrade in Serbia against the advancing Ottoman army on August 6, 1456. 

The Pope invited the entire Church to give thanks to God by celebrating the mystery of Christ's glory, the true source of hope and victory. 

Since then, every August 6, Catholics throughout the world have celebrated the Transfiguration as a reminder that Jesus is not only a teacher or prophet but the beloved Son of God whose divine glory shines through His humanity. 

Even today, this feast encourages us to lift our eyes beyond daily struggles and remember that God's final plan for His faithful people is not defeat but everlasting glory.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus brought Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. 

There His appearance changed before them. 

His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. 

Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him, revealing that Jesus fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets. 

Then a bright cloud overshadowed them, and the Father's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Matthew 17:5) 

As they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed the disciples not to tell anyone about the vision until after His resurrection. 

The gospel revealed that before the suffering of the Cross came the assurance of glory.

What can this beautiful feast teach us today?

First, God gives moments of encouragement before life's greatest challenges.

The Transfiguration happened shortly before Jesus began His journey toward Jerusalem and His Passion. 

The disciples would soon witness betrayal, suffering, fear, and death. 

Before all these painful events unfolded, Jesus allowed them to see His divine glory so that they would not lose hope when darkness came.

Life often works the same way. 

God gives us moments that strengthen our faith before difficult seasons arrive. 

A meaningful retreat, an answered prayer, a quiet moment before the Blessed Sacrament, a moving homily, or an unexpected act of kindness may become the core memories that sustain us later during trials.

That is why we should treasure our mountaintop experiences with God. 

They are not meant to keep us away from life's responsibilities but to prepare us for them. 

Every genuine encounter with Christ gives us new courage to carry our crosses with greater confidence and peace.

God gives moments of encouragement before life's greatest challenges.

Second, listening to Jesus changes the way we see everything.

The Father's command on the mountain was remarkably simple: "Listen to him." (Matthew 17:5) 

The disciples saw an extraordinary vision, but God's greatest instruction was not to admire the glory but to listen to His Son. 

Today many voices compete for our attention. 

Social media influencers, political debates, endless opinions, and constant distractions often shape our thinking more than the Gospel does. 

Without realizing it, we may spend more time listening to the world than listening to Christ.

The Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus remains the clearest voice for every generation. 

His words continue to illuminate confusion, strengthen the weary, comfort the brokenhearted, and guide those searching for meaning. 

When we allow His voice to shape our decisions, we begin to see life with new clarity.

Listening to Jesus changes the way we see everything.

As you continue your journey today, ask yourself: Which experiences have strengthened my faith during difficult times? 

Do I intentionally create moments to listen to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments? How can I bring the light of Christ into the ordinary situations I encounter each day?

Children of God: 
The mountain of the Transfiguration was never meant to be a permanent destination. 

Jesus led His disciples back down because the mission continued in the valleys where people suffered, struggled, and waited for hope. 

The glory they witnessed became the strength they needed for the road ahead. 

God continues to offer each of us moments of grace that remind us He is always present. 

As we celebrate this great feast, may we allow Christ's light to transform our hearts and guide our steps every day.