Sometimes other people see our gifts better than we see them. Others recognize in us the abilities we have to make peace, to see hope, to lead a project, or to follow through on what we say we will do.

God has created us for a special purpose, to help announce the reign of God and bring it to fulfillment. God knows how each of us is made, what gifts we have, and how they can be used for good. Knowing what to do with our gifts does not always come easy. Even though we have gifts, it may require considerable effort to put them into play. Sometimes we suffer greatly at the hands of others because we try to live according to what we believe and to what we can do.

The second letter to Timothy says, “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” God called us to a holy life “according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ.” God wanted us to know that divine support will be with us always. For that reason, God’s support was made manifest “through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus.”

Today we hear the story of the transfiguration. It signifies the shining wisdom and power of God, for who all things are possible, and who made us to share in this glory by the use of our gifts in spite of hardship.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2004, Archdiocese of Chicago