The fourth Luminous mystery is the Transfiguration.

Jesus led three of His beloved disciples to a mountain top, and there He revealed His glory, His true self.

Often, when I think of revealing my true self to others, I think of exposing my weaknesses, of letting everyone see my faults and my failures. I am a sinful creature, and my true self is covered in pockmarks

When Jesus reveals His true self to His apostles, though, He is discarding the weaknesses of humans and showing His glory. His true self is perfection.

A lot of people might think that Jesus was just trying to convince His disciples of His awesomeness. This seems to be their initial reaction. They did want to build tents for Him and Moses and Elijah, after all.

Although Jesus was definitely revealing His glory to the Apostles, proving His worthiness to be called Teacher and Lord, I think limiting the Transfiguration to this interpretation misses an important aspect of this mystery.

In Heaven, our bodies will be glorified, as Jesus was glorified on the mountain top.

And here's something even more awesome - You and I are part of the Body of Christ!

This means that we share in His Transfiguration. When joined to Christ, we become like Him.

So, when as a member of the Body of Christ, we reveal our true selves, we reveal the glory of Christ within us.

Jesus was transfigured as an example to us of how not only He will look at the end of time, but of how we will look when joined with Him in eternity.

Join yourself to Christ, and you will be transfigured with Him, changed into the perfect, glorified person He intends for you to eventually become.

Sorry if this seems weird or rambly - I'm in the hospital and on a lot of painkillers right now.

My pastor suggested redemptive suffering, so I'm praying for you!

:)