The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord | Sunday 6 August 2023

Today is Sunday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Assumpsit Jesus: ‘Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, and he was transfigured in front of them.’

(Lyrics currently unavailable)



Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.


Matthew 17:1-9


Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Moses’ face shone after he had been speaking to God. Today, Peter, James and John see Jesus with Moses in his divine glory and are terrified. What are your feelings as you contemplate this scene? How might it have been to be there yourself?

The disciples hear God tell them to listen to his Son. How good a listener are you? What have you heard Jesus say that has influenced your life? Have you heard anything that you have found yourself resisting or ignoring?

As you hear the reading again, are there any words or phrases that draw you specially? Notice what stays with you and allow it to take root in your heart and mind.

God calls Jesus ‘My beloved’. God calls us that as well. What do you want to say to the God who calls us beloved and invites us into friendship? Allow yourself to speak to God from your heart.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.