O Lord, as you were on your way to where you'd one day die,
You wanted time to rest and pray, to hear God's word to you that day.
You climbed a mountain high with three good friends close by.

So soon, the three became aware of such a wondrous sight.
Your face shone bright beyond compare, just like a glimpse of heaven there!
Your clothes were dazzling white; your glory came to light.

The Law, the Prophets guided you as you discerned God's will.
With Moses and Elijah, too, you spoke of God's great plan for you,
God's promise to fulfill one Friday on a hill.

Why could you not remain with them and there in glory stay?
God said, "This is my own dear Son! Now listen to him, everyone!"
And so you turned to say you'd go the harder way.

O Lord, how often we pursue success at any cost,
And yet we hear God's word anew, that we are called to follow you,
Who served the poor and lost and journeyed to the cross.