Fr. Rick’s Homily: The Feast of the Transfiguration

August 6, 2026,
Matthew 17:1-9
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080626.cfm

Let’s Stay Here!

“This is my Beloved Son. Listen to him.” Don’t we all tend to listen more carefully to
those who matter most to us? It’s interesting that the Father didn’t say, “Follow him,” but
instead emphasized listening to Him. 
  
He didn’t say, “Love Him.” Why? Before we follow and love Jesus, we must first “Listen
to him.” Yes, it is true – we listen to those who matter to us. A doctor is someone we
listen to very carefully. When we listen to our doctor, we follow their advice.
  
Listening truly connects us on a deeper level. When the information matters most, and
we care about the person, our listening becomes even more attentive and heartfelt. 
  
The Transfiguration of Jesus reveals the closeness Jesus has with his Father. Jesus
took Peter, James, and John up the mountain to share the intimacy he has with his
Father. That closeness gave Jesus the strength to climb another mountain—Calvary. 
  
We, too, must climb this mountain of the Transfiguration with Jesus daily to draw closer
to his heart in prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. This daily commitment
to prayer is our connection to Jesus, our source of strength and guidance. “Come to me,
all you who labor and are overburdened. I will give you rest.” 
  
We need that intimate encounter with Jesus so we can travel with Him down the
mountain, where He will meet all of us who are suffering without Him.
  
The Founder of our religious order, the Institute of Charity, Antonio Rosmini, used this
analogy to describe the power of daily prayer:  “The precious moments with Jesus daily
in prayer are like the archer who pulls back his bow, ready to fling the arrow at its target.
In prayer, we draw back the bow of our hearts, ready to send our love and compassion
to those in need, just as the archer sends the arrow to its target.” 
  
We don’t have the strength and healing power of Jesus to draw that bow back enough
to ease the suffering in another’s heart. We can feed them, clothe them, and meet all
their other needs, but it is Jesus who is the ultimate healer, the Master of the heart, who
can bring true healing and peace. 
  
Gospel Challenge: 
Let Jesus master our hearts in prayer every day, so that whenever we encounter
someone in need, we will say what Peter said, “It is so good that you are here!” This is
the transformative power of prayer, inspiring us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the
world. 

Love Your Neighbor!

Father Rick Pilger, I.C. 

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com