Transfiguration

Prayer, a moment of Transfiguration

The account of Transfiguration in Luke ix, 28-36 happened in a mountain and within the context of prayer. The Bible oftentimes, associate mountains with events of theophanies, as in the revelation to Moses and Elijah. In Luke, a mountain is a place of prayer. What i see here is a close connection between prayer and the experience of God's glory.

"Prayer," says an anonymous quote, "is a passport to heaven. your communication to God." The quote underlines and recognizes the exclusive right of access if not at least the means of access of prayer to God. In fact, in prayer, we commune with God, or put simply, we are with God.

I believe, Transfiguration continuous to happen and be experienced by many individuals and communities in their moments of prayer. That is why, in this regard we speak of religious experience.

The challenge for us is to widen the space of prayer to include in its scope our studies, work and apostolate where God is actively involved and waiting to be noticed. Let there be no dichotomy between work and prayer as might be implied and mistakenly construed from the famous Benedictine motto: ora et labora. Rather, let our work be done in prayer.

In this way, we become responsive to the Words at Transfiguration: "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." Indeed, listening--being attentive of God's message is an integral part of prayer. In the words of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta, "God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer."

May we then experience the Transfiguration of our Lord in our prayers, work, studies, apostolate and in the people we meet.

A homily/reflection shared during the Eucharistic Memorial on the Feast of Transfiguration at Divine Word Seminary Chapel, August 2007.