August 6: Feast of the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration of Christ

Johann Georg Trautmann (1713 - 1769) 

History

Today is a wonderful celebration - the Feast of the Transfiguration. We are remembering when Jesus took Peter, James and John up Mt. Tabor to pray. There, Moses and Elijah appeared to speak with Jesus, and Jesus showed His glory to them. Peter became so excited, he offered to build three shelters so that Moses, Elijah and Jesus would remain there. You can read this story in Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; and Luke 9:28-36. 

Activity

Christians have been celebrating the Transfiguration for many centuries. Usually, the pope will use new wine at Mass or even press a bunch of ripe grapes into the chalice. Raisins are blessed by priests and used to cook delicious treats. You might want to try this 30-minute recipe for spicy Moroccan chicken with carrots and raisins or bake a Sour Cream Raisin Pie for dessert. If your family doesn't care for raisins, serve grapes for a side dish at dinner, and make this Magic Crust Custard Pie, which starts out kind of like pancake batter but turns into pie as it bakes - more of a transformation than a transfiguration, but you get the idea.

For a fun craft project, make this sun-catcher of the transfigured Jesus.

Saints Peter, James and John, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
American Catholic
EWTN