Introduction
The Gospel Account
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an account of Jesus taking His disciples up the mountain to pray.
While praying, Jesus’ clothing and appearance shine with a dazzling light.
Moses and Elijah, two of the great leaders of the Jewish faith, appear and talk with Jesus.
The disciples witness this magnificent change and offer to build tents for all three of the leaders.
A cloud appears and the Voice of God speaks from the cloud, telling Jesus’ followers to listen to Jesus.
Afterward, Jesus appears alone to the disciples as they prepare to leave that holy place on the mountain.
You can find the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 28-36.
Click on this link to view the Gospel passage using the New American Bible translation.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from the Gospel reading.
First Decade: Going Up to Pray (Luke 9:28)
About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.
Second Decade: The Glory of Jesus (Luke 9:29-32)
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.
Third Decade: The Response of Peter (Luke 9:33)
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.
Fourth Decade: The Voice of God (Luke 9:34-35)
“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.”
Fifth Decade: Only Jesus Remained (Luke 9:36)
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
What to Remember
This Gospel story shows that God the Father reveals Jesus as the Beloved Son and tells the followers of Jesus to listen to Jesus.
As a follower of Jesus, you have the same privilege: to listen to the wisdom, love, and goodness of Jesus.
When you listen to the words of Jesus and take those words to heart, you grow towards a personal transfiguration – a more dazzling life.
Here are a few intentions to pray for:
- For a greater listening heart.
- That Jesus will lead you to greater illumination.
- For family and friends to develop a deeper listening spirit.
- For those are deaf in ear, mind, and heart to hear and listen to Jesus.
Feel free to pray the rosary using the Gospel when you want more enlightenment by listening more closely to Jesus and God.
When This Gospel Appears
Luke’s Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus occurs on the Second Sunday of Lent in Cycle C of the Liturgical Year.
The most recent appearance is on Sunday, March 13, 2022.
There are three cycles that last a year each, beginning with the First Sunday in Advent in the Church year.
In Cycle A, the Gospel readings are from the Gospel of Matthew.
For Cycle B, the Gospel readings are from the Gospel of Mark and John.
In Cycle C, the Gospel readings are from the Gospel of Luke.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
