TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
The Lord is king,
the most high over all the earth.
1st Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
I looked and saw the following: Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, his hair, white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and a countless multitude stood before him.
Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence. Dominion, honor and kingship were given him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.
2nd Reading: 2 P 1:16-19
Indeed, what we taught you about the power, and the return of Christ Jesus our Lord, was not drawn from myths or formulated theories. We, ourselves, were eyewitnesses of his majesty, when he received glory and honor from God, the Father when, from the magnificent glory, this most extraordinary word came upon him: “This is my beloved Son, this is my Chosen One.” We, ourselves, heard this voice from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets, which you should consider rightly, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
Gospel: Mk 9:2-10
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There, his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus.
Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say: they were overcome with awe. But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved: listen to him!” And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them.
As they came down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this to themselves, although they discussed with one another what ‘to rise from the dead’ could mean.
Reflections
his appearance was changed before their eyes
The transfiguration of Jesus takes place after Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah. In the preceding passage, Jesus explains the preconditions for discipleship, the invitation to deny oneself and to take up one’s cross, the necessity of losing one’s life in order to save it. Suffering and death are preludes to resurrection and glorification.
We must be careful not to glorify suffering, but rather construe suffering as the consequence, often times, of faithful discipleship to Jesus. Often, suffering is brought about by those who extinguish the radiance of those who bear witness to God’s light.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
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