Saint of the day · August 6
Transfiguration of the Lord
Fête du SeigneurLiturgical colour : White
The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord commemorates the moment when Jesus Christ, on a high mountain—traditionally identified as Mount Tabor—was revealed in radiant glory before Peter, James, and John. This event, attested by the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), describes Christ's face shining like the sun, His clothes becoming dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appearing, conversing with Him. The voice of the Father is heard from a cloud, declaring, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him." The Transfiguration holds deep theological meaning: it affirms Jesus’ divine sonship, foreshadows His Resurrection, and confirms the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) bearing witness to Christ. It also strengthens the apostles ahead of Jesus’ Passion by offering a glimpse of His glory.
Celebrated in both the Eastern and Western Churches, this feast is ancient—traces appear by the fifth century in the Christian East, and it became more widespread in the West after the 15th century, especially following the victory at the Battle of Belgrade in 1456, which was attributed to intercession following prayers on this day. Today, Catholics are invited to reflect on the mystery of Christ's divinity and humanity, the promise of transformation in God’s grace, and the call to listen to Jesus as the beloved Son of the Father. It is an encouragement to persevere through trials, remembering that the glory of Christ is the true goal of the Christian life.
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Mass readings
"His garment was white as snow" — Dn 7, 9-10.13-14
At night, during a vision,
I, Daniel, was watching:
thrones were set up,
and an Ancient One took his seat;
his garment was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was made of flames of fire,
with wheels of blazing fire.
A stream of fire flowed out, surging before him.
Thousands upon thousands served him,
myriads upon myriads stood before him.
The court took its seat, and the books were opened.
I watched, in the visions of the night,
and I saw coming with the clouds of heaven,
one like a Son of man;
he came to the Ancient One,
and was presented before him.
And to him was given
dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages
served him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
that will not pass away,
and his kingship,
a kingship that will not be destroyed.
– The word of the Lord.
OR
"This voice coming from heaven we ourselves heard" — 2 P 1, 16-19
Beloved,
it was not by relying on sophisticated imaginary tales
that we made known to you the power and coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but because we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when, from the magnificent glory,
a voice came to him that said:
This is my Son, my Beloved;
with him I am well pleased.
This voice coming from heaven,
we ourselves heard
when we were with him on the holy mountain.
And so the prophetic word is confirmed for us;
you do well to focus your attention on it,
as on a lamp shining in a dark place
until the day dawns
and the morning star rises in your hearts.
– The word of the Lord.
Ps 96, 1-2, 4-5, 6.9
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice!
Joy for the countless islands!
Darkness and cloud surround him,
justice and right are the foundation of his throne.
When his lightning lit up the world,
the earth saw and trembled;
the mountains melted like wax before the Lord,
before the Master of all the earth.
The heavens have proclaimed his justice,
and all peoples have seen his glory.
You, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth,
you reign supreme over all gods.
"His face shone like the sun" — Mt 17, 1-9
At that time,
Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
He was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun,
and his clothes became white as light.
Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
talking with him.
Peter then spoke up and said to Jesus:
"Lord, it is good that we are here!
If you wish,
I will set up three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
He was still speaking,
when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with its shadow,
and a voice from the cloud said:
"This is my beloved Son,
in whom I delight;
listen to him!"
When they heard this, the disciples fell face down on the ground
and were overcome with great fear.
Jesus came up, touched them and said:
"Get up and do not be afraid!"
Raising their eyes,
they saw no one else,
except Jesus himself alone.
As they came down the mountain,
Jesus gave them this order:
"Tell no one about this vision,
until the Son of Man
has risen from the dead."
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org