The Transfiguration of the Lord is Biblical text that is accepted throughout the Christian world. It appears in three out of the four Gospels. That alone speaks volumes as to the validly of the event.
Although in all likelihood this took place sometime in February or March, the Western Church celebrates the day in August. There are a multitude of reasons for the change. Lent begins sometime in February or March. It is a solemn time as Christians prepare a path for the resurrection of Christ on Easter morning. This requires reflection, prayer, penance and sacrifice. The Transfiguration of the Lord should be a day of great rejoicing. It is the union of Old and New Testament together through Christ. Jesus is seen conversing with Moses and Elijah on Mount Tabor. Moses led God’s Chosen people out of Egypt, out of bondage and into a new Covenant with God as a freed people. Christ replaces the Covenant God made with Moses. He is the new Covenant between our Creator and all of humanity, one that will stand for all eternity. Christ is also the fulfillment of the promised Messiah prophesized by Elijah. God acknowledges this by sending Elijah to Mount Tabor to speak with His Son.
When Christ is transformed, it is more than just revealing Himself to be the true Son of God to those who witnessed it. This same transformation takes place in all of us when we are baptized, when we are confirmed, and when we surrender to the will of God. Every fiber of our being is transformed. We become a light to others, one that is pleasing to God the Father. Such a profound and spiritual uplifting transformation would be in direct contrast to the penance and sorrow of Lent.
While acknowledging that the Transfiguration took place at another time entirely, by celebrating in August, the feast is separate from Lent, the Easter Season, Pentecost and a whole host of other events. You would think the American Bishops would have kept August 6 a Holy Day of Obligation. Today the Mass of the Transfiguration is celebrated on the Sunday closest to August 6. This in no way signals a downplay of the importance, but rather allows more of the faithful (especially in America when Days of Obligation are not recognized as Holidays) to attend Mass.
When I think of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, I am reminded of a boy who sits with his father near the back of the Church for at the 7:30 am Mass. You don’t need to see him to know he has learning disabilities. You can hear him throughout Mass praying loudly. No one minds. If anything, his prayers move some of us to tears. As people return to their seats after receiving Communion, this boy will point to certain individuals and announcing “Look – they are shiny.” I believe that this boy has been given a gift. He can see the transformation that takes place during communion. How beautiful is that?
Apricot Sunrise Jumbo Muffins
1 cup Flour
1/4 cup Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 large Egg
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
1 cup Apricot Preserves, divided
1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 6 muffin cups with no-stick spray.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium mixing bowl.
Beat together egg, oil and cream. Blend in 1/2 cup preserves and almond extract. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Fill muffin cups evenly with batter.
Bake 20 to 30 minutes (keeping a close eye on them after 20 minute), until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Spread tops with remaining preserves before serving.
For He received honor and glory from God the Father,
Whose voice descended to Him from magnificent glory:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Listen to Him”
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