The same three apostles who are present in the Garden of Gethsemane are also at the transfiguration. On both occasions they fall asleep! But when they awake at the transfiguration, they see something totally different. They see Jesus radiant and resplendent like they had never seen him before. This revelation of his glory is meant to strengthen their faith and prepare them for seeing Jesus later, sweating blood in the agony of the Garden. Experiencing the joy and beauty of Jesus is essential to persevering through the inevitable passions we will have to undergo. Faith is not all about suffering, but about joy, love, and intimacy with Christ. Yes, love sometimes means we must suffer, but the fruit is greater intimacy. A diamond is made under great pressure and love must past through temptations.

  All three synoptic Gospels unite the transfiguration with Peter’s profession of faith. The reality of the passion and cross should not shake the apostle’s faith, but they should realize that his exaltation can only be accomplished in the cross: “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32).
   The sufferings we see in the world, in our own past and present, shouldn’t shake our faith in Jesus, either. Overcoming sin comes from embracing suffering.
   Jesus is so radiant that he awakes the apostles from their slumber. May the consuming love with which we burn for Jesus transfigure us into beautiful lights that awaken this world from its slumber of faith as well.
                                       —Fr. Mark Haydu, LC