Episode Summary: "Finding the Light in Spiritual Darkness"
Podcast: All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri
Host: Dr. Edward Sri (Ascension)
Date: November 18, 2025
Location: Recorded at Mount Tabor, Holy Land
Overview
In this special episode, Dr. Edward Sri records from the Mount of the Transfiguration, offering reflections on how the biblical event of Christ’s Transfiguration can illuminate our own moments of darkness, struggle, and spiritual difficulty. Through vivid scriptural connections and personal insights, he illustrates how Jesus reveals his glory to prepare his followers for future challenges, and he invites listeners to find enduring hope and transformation in their faith, especially through the Mass.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Personal Application of the Transfiguration (01:15–06:05)
- Dr. Sri opens by encouraging listeners to consider areas of their life enveloped in darkness, confusion, or a sense of powerlessness.
- He points out that the Transfiguration is not merely a display of Jesus’ glory, but a vital preparation for the disciples—and for us—when facing personal trials and uncertainties.
Quote
“Is there a certain area of your life right now where you feel is a little bit in darkness…where you’re not sure what the next steps are? …These areas of darkness Jesus wants to shine his light in.”
— Edward Sri (03:10)
2. The Preparation of Peter, James, and John (06:06–11:40)
- Only Peter, James, and John witness the Transfiguration. Dr. Sri draws a parallel with Gethsemane, when these same three accompany Jesus during his agony.
- The glory shown at Mount Tabor serves to strengthen them for the coming suffering of the Passion.
Quote
“He gives them a glimpse of his glory now, so that when they see his face in his agony…that they may not lose hope, that they may be strengthened in that time of darkness. They may remember the light.”
— Edward Sri (09:13)
3. Peter Looks Back: A Light in Dark Times (11:41–15:59)
- Dr. Sri connects the episode to 2 Peter 1, where Peter recollects the Transfiguration as a defining event.
- He encourages listeners to recall their own spiritual “mountaintop” moments in times of darkness, using them as sources of hope and faith.
Quote
“We want to remember those moments because they become a light shining in a dark place until the morning comes again.”
— Edward Sri (14:10)
4. The Role of Moses and Elijah: Law, Prophets, and the Theophany (16:00–22:45)
- Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) appear at the Transfiguration. Dr. Sri explores both the traditional interpretation and a deeper connection: both figures uniquely encountered God’s glory in the Old Testament.
- The architecture of the church at Mount Tabor is referenced as reflecting these threes—Trinity, three disciples, Jesus/Moses/Elijah.
Quote
“Moses and Elijah were the two figures in the Old Testament that experienced something that has to do with what happened here...God’s glory.”
— Edward Sri (20:32)
5. Echoes of Exodus: Reliving Sacred History (22:46–28:20)
- Dr. Sri parallels the Transfiguration with Exodus 24, where Moses takes three close associates up Mount Sinai and God’s glory is revealed through cloud and voice, after six days.
- These echoes reinforce the continuity of God’s revelation.
Quote
“Just as Moses led those three…up a high mountain, so Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up this high mountain. And just as God’s glory was revealed…so a cloud descends here over Mount Tabor.”
— Edward Sri (27:22)
6. The Father's Command: "Listen to Him" (28:21–35:40)
- Dr. Sri highlights the voice of the Heavenly Father, noting the phrase “listen to him” is added at the Transfiguration but not at Jesus’ baptism.
- He discusses the context from Matthew 16, where Peter recognizes Jesus as Messiah, and Jesus immediately foretells his suffering.
- The command to listen is a challenge to accept the true, sacrificial meaning of Messiah.
Quote
“He’s not joking around. That’s not a metaphor. He really is going to die. And if you’re going to be his disciples, you’re being invited to enter into this total self-giving love of Jesus.”
— Edward Sri (34:49)
7. Christian Life: Embracing the Cross and Self-Giving Love (35:41–38:45)
- Dr. Sri dispels the notion that suffering is to be sought for its own sake; rather, it is about loving surrender and total self-giving, after Jesus’ own example.
- He asks listeners to consider concretely: “Where is Christ inviting me to surrender and trust more deeply in my current darkness?”
Quote
“We’re made for total self-giving love. This is our heart’s biggest, deepest desires, to live not for ourselves, but to live for God and for others.”
— Edward Sri (37:10)
8. The Mass as the Place of Transfiguration (38:46–43:29)
- Dr. Sri draws the episode together by reflecting on the Mass, symbolized in the church mosaics at Mount Tabor.
- At every Mass, Catholics are invited into the reality of the Transfiguration—the encounter with Christ’s glory that equips the faithful for life’s valleys.
Quote
“When you go to Mass, you go to the Transfiguration... I pray that you’ll always remember our quiet time here with Jesus on the Mount of Tabor...”
— Edward Sri (42:20)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “These areas of darkness Jesus wants to shine his light in.” (03:10)
- “They may remember the light.” (09:17)
- “[The Transfiguration is] a light shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (14:25)
- “Moses and Elijah…were the two figures that experienced God’s glory.” (20:32)
- “Listen to him. Peter, James, and John. Now, why is the Father saying this now?” (29:40)
- “This is our heart’s biggest, deepest desires, to live not for ourselves, but to live for God and for others.” (37:10)
- “When you go to Mass, you go to the Transfiguration.” (42:20)
Key Timestamps for Segments
- 01:15 – Engaging the mystery of the Transfiguration in personal life
- 09:13 – Transfiguration as preparation for suffering
- 14:05 – The enduring light of spiritual “mountaintop” moments
- 20:30 – Why Moses and Elijah? The true depth of their presence
- 27:22 – Reliving scriptural history at Mount Tabor
- 34:49 – The Father’s plea: “Listen to him”
- 37:10 – The meaning of self-giving love
- 42:20 – Encountering the Transfiguration at every Mass
Conclusion
Dr. Edward Sri’s episode from Mount Tabor is a rich meditation on how the Transfiguration reveals God’s desire to fortify us in our darkest moments. Through scriptural parallels, personal challenges, and liturgical insights, he reminds listeners that both suffering and glory are part of Christian discipleship—and that each Mass is a chance to glimpse Christ’s transforming light again.
Central Message:
Let past experiences of God’s glory be a lamp in the valleys of darkness, trust in Jesus’ call to self-giving love, and recognize the Mass as our frequent encounter with the Transfigured Christ. Above all, heed the Father’s words: “Listen to him.”