Transfiguration Sunday—Removing the Veil
Voiceover by: Bharat Naker – Adelaide, Australia
Like a thick fog lifting, revealing a landscape that was hidden moments before, Transfiguration Sunday reminds us of a time when the disciples saw Jesus in his true glory. On that mountain, their vision was cleared, and they glimpsed the fullness of who Jesus is—a moment that let them see beyond the everyday into the reality of God’s kingdom.
Today, we celebrate this lifting of the veil, the first step of transformation, when what once was unclear or hidden becomes fully visible. When the fog lifts, we see beauty, light, and truth in ways that weren’t possible before. This lifting of the veil invites us to move closer to God’s kingdom, allowing us to see the world as God intends—filled with his light, love, and justice.
(B-roll: A foggy morning scene, with sunlight gradually piercing through, symbolizing the veil being lifted.)
Many things can act as veils in our lives, keeping us from fully seeing God’s presence and purpose. These veils might be fears, misunderstandings, doubts, or distractions. They make us see the world only as it is, rather than as it could be in the fullness of God’s kingdom. To experience true transformation, we must be willing to set aside these barriers, opening our eyes to see through God’s eyes.
(B-roll: Close-up of a person gently pulling back a curtain, symbolizing the act of removing the veil to reveal something new.)
[Pause]
When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, the disciples saw his divine glory, shining like the sun. In that moment, the veil was lifted, and they glimpsed a reality they hadn’t seen before. This same light of God is meant to shine into our lives, clearing away what hinders us and revealing his kingdom—his rule of peace, justice, and compassion. When we remove these veils, we begin to see not only who Jesus is but also who we are called to be as his followers.
(B-roll: Sunlight breaking through clouds, illuminating a mountain landscape, symbolizing revelation and clarity.)
[Transition]
Today’s Psalm reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God’s presence. It invites us to worship and revere God, who is exalted above all nations and yet near to each one of us. Like the psalmist, we are called to approach God with reverence and humility, asking him to remove whatever stands between us and his kingdom vision. We invite him to lift the veil so that we can see his love, his justice, and his power more clearly.
(B-roll: A person kneeling in prayer, their face lifted toward the sky, symbolizing humility and the desire for a clearer vision of God.)
[Conclusion]
On this Transfiguration Sunday, let us ask God to lift the veils in our lives. May He remove the barriers that keep us from fully seeing his kingdom and experiencing his transforming love. As we journey with him, let us embrace the light that reveals who he is and who we are called to be. And as we worship, may we remember the words of Psalm 99, which remind us that our God is holy, mighty, and near.
(B-roll: A close-up of a hand lighting a candle, with the flame illuminating the room, symbolizing God’s light that reveals his truth to us.)
[Reading: Psalm 99:1-5]
(B-roll: Images of nature, mountains, and people gathered in worship, reflecting the reverence and awe described in the psalm.)
“The Lord reigns; let the nations tremble.
He sits enthroned between the cherubim; let the earth shake.
Great is the Lord in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.
The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.
Exalt the Lord our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.
(B-roll: Final shot of a person standing on a mountain summit, looking out over a clear, sunlit landscape, symbolizing the vision of God’s kingdom revealed.)
As we lift our eyes, may we see clearly and follow boldly, for our God is holy and worthy of our worship.
