Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/413



I. Christ  vouchsafed  to  manifest  His  glory  to  His Apostles in  His  transfiguration,  in  order  to  confirm  them in the  faith;  to  encourage  them  to  carry  their  cross,  to which  He  had  lately  exhorted  them,  and  to  give  them  beforehand a  taste  and  glimpse  of  heavenly  joys,  which  are prepared for  the  virtuous. He led  them  to  the  top  of  a high  mountain,  in  a  sequestered  place,  to  teach  us,  that we must  retire  from  the  cares  of  the  world  and  ascend the mountain  of  perfection,  if  we  wish  to  contemplate  the face and  glory  of  God.

II. Christ would  have  but  few  witnesses  of  His  glory, viz., only  three  of  his  disciples,  but  all  kinds  of  persons were witnesses  of  His  ignominies  and  His  sufferings. Therefore, on  the  cross  He  said  by  the  mouth  of  His prophet, "O  all  ye,  who  pass  by  the  way,  attend  and see." (Lam. i.  12.)  By  these  three  disciples  are  prefigured the  three  virtues  that  accompany  contemplation and prayer,  and  concur  to  the  soul's  transfiguration;  in Peter  faith,  in  James  hope,  and  in  John  charity. Examine what progress  you  make  in  these  necessary  virtues.

III. "And whilst  He  prayed,  the  appearance  of  His countenance  was  altered." (Luke ix.  29.)  Our  Lord was transfigured  whilst  He  was  praying,  in  order  to teach  us,  that  prayer  transfigures  and  beautifies  the  soul of man,  so  as  sometimes  to  have  a  visible  effect  on  the body. Thus the  "face  of  Moses  was  horned  from  the conversation  of  the  Lord." (Exod. xxxiv.  29.)  Beseech our Lord  to  alter  and  change  you  into  another  man,  that is, to  make  you  holy,  in  order  that  having  divested  your-