In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Welcome, brothers and sisters, as we gather on this Feast of the Transfiguration to behold the radiant light of Christ and draw strength from His eternal promise.
Lord Jesus, you revealed your glory on the holy mountain: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you speak peace to our fearful hearts: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are the light that shines in every darkness: Lord, have mercy.
On the mountain top today, the glory of God breaks through the clouds.
Jesus’ face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. St. Peter, writing years later in our Second Reading, remembers that unforgettable moment as “a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns.”
Why did Jesus give Peter, James, and John this breathtaking vision of heaven?
Because He knew dark days were coming. He wanted them to carry a flash of eternal glory in their hearts… to remember that human sorrow does not have the final word. When the disciples fell prostrate in fear, Jesus came and touched them, saying: “Rise, and do not be afraid.”
It has been seven weeks since Benjamin Vo entered eternal life. Seven weeks where the darkness of missing him can feel deep and heavy.
Yet in that quiet ache, the voice from the mountain reaches down to us today: *Rise, and do not be afraid.*
Benjamin was a boy who carried a wondrous light in his own spirit. Think of his brilliant, creative mind—how he loved sitting at his computer, effortlessly coding applications and whole worlds into existence, smiling with pure delight at every new idea. He possessed a gift for seeing structure, beauty, and logic where others saw only complexity.
That bright intellect and that gentle heart were gifts from the Father, who takes immense joy in His children.
Ben is not lost in shadow. He is with the Son of Man of whom Daniel prophesied… standing in the radiant, unclouded light of God’s eternal kingdom.
To Alan, Thao, and dear Ryan: Jesus touches your shoulders today, just as He touched the apostles on the mountain. He whispers His tender comfort: *Do not be afraid.* Keep holding each other tight, keep living with courage and love for Ryan, and let Benjamin’s radiant smile illuminate your path.
To Ben’s aunts and uncles, everyone joining from afar, and every family walking through grief: the morning star rises in our hearts. Benjamin rests safely in the glory of the Transfigured Lord… watching over us, until we meet in heaven’s unending dawn.
For the intentions entrusted to Ben on our prayer wall:
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
May the Transfigured Lord bless us, protect us from all distress, and lead us safely into the light of His everlasting kingdom. Amen.
✝ May almighty God bless you: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.