Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year II. (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord).
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97: 1-2.5-6.9(R.cf.1a.9a); 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matt.17:1b-9.
The readings of today talk about the radiance of God’s glory. In the first reading, as Daniel looks on, thrones are set in place, One of great age takes His seat amidst flames and fire, with robes white as snow and hair pure as wool. The Son of man comes and is given an eternal sovereignty over all that is. In the second reading, Peter assures us that this sovereignty of the Son is no fairy tale, for they saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears, when the sublime Glory spoke to the Son saying, ‘this is my Son the Beloved, my favour rests on him’. In the gospel reading, Matthew gives us a vivid description of how the Transfiguration took place. But why the Transfiguration?
Friends, apart from revealing God’s glory, the Transfiguration was also aimed at strengthening the faith of the disciples for the sufferings they were to face, and renewing their hope. The appearance of Moses and Elijah, confirmed the seriousness of the events that the laws and the prophets foretold – that the Christ would suffer, and die, and be raised. This event was not about remaining on the mountain as Peter suggested, it was rather about going down to the valley to face real challenges, to experience life’s suffering and tribulations, knowing that in the end, it is all for God’s glory and for our salvation. For us now, the transfiguration is about listening to Jesus as we journey through life, knowing that the mountain top isn’t that far off.
Good morning dear. Happy Feast of the Transfiguration. Have a great day ahead.
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Thank you Padre