FIRST READING
Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14
As I watched:
Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw:
One like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 97:1–2, 5–6, 9 (1a, 9a)
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him; justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the LORD of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods.
R. The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.
SECOND READING
2 Peter 1:16–19
Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 17:5c
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 9:2–10
Jesus took Peter, James, his brother and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.
As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
REFLECTIONS:
see Jesus transfigured in glory on a high
mountain. [In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches,
this event is celebrated as a major feast on August 6.] Jesus often went
to a lonely place to pray to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the
crowds. But on this occasion, the Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus
was transfigured ..and his garments became glistening, intensely white
(Mark 9:2,3).
When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone
because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says
that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness
(2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus appeared in glory with
Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the
prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles Peter, James,
and John.
What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to
the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem his betrayal,
rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision
to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with
Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him.
The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed
Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah
came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus
16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory he wants to share
this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow
me obey my words take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive
the blessings of my Father's kingdom your name will be written in heaven.
Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise
would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the
crown of glory that awaits each one of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.
Origen, the great 3rd century bible scholar, shows us how the transfiguration
can change our lives: When he is transfigured, his face also shines as
the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put
off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer
the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and
walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not
simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness.
Lukes gospel tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James,
and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus
in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory
and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things
which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and
the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing
our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering
the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make
us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be
a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually
awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of
Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his
glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,
are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another;
for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you
seek his presence with faith and reverence?
Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your
action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.
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