The Transfiguration of Jesus is an account of Jesus taking His top three 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.
Afterwards, Jesus appears alone to the disciples and they leave that holy place on the mountain.
The Gospel Account
You can find the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 2-10.
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 events from the Gospel passage.
Read the Scripture verse before you pray the decade, then pray the Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s and the Glory Be.
First Decade: Ascending the Mountain
“Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.” Mark 9:1a
Second Decade: Jesus’s Glory
“And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.” Mark 9:1b-4
Third Decade: Peter’s Response
“Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.” Mark 9:5-6
Fourth Decade: The Father’s Voice
“Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, ‘This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.’ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.” Mark 9:7-9
Fifth Decade: Leaving the Mountain
“As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.” Mark 9:9-10
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.
To intercede that those who are deaf in ear and mind will hear and listen to Jesus.
Feel free to pray the rosary using the Gospel when you want more enlightenment, when you want to listen more closely to Jesus and God.
When This Gospel Appears
Mark’s Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus occurs on the Second Sunday of Lent in Cycle B of the Liturgical Year.
The most recent appearance is on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
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.
