COMPANION 1ST READING The Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us of the divinity of Christ and that His proper place is with the Father in all His glory in heaven. We should avoid becoming too familiar with the things of God such that we no longer fully respect the true identity of Christ. Yes, Jesus wants us to relate to Him as His brother but this does not mean that we should forget that He is also our God! Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 9 As I watched, thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 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. 13 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, 14 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. P S A L M Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 R: The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth. 1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 9 Because you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. (R) 2ND READING Peter recounts his experience of the Transfiguration of Jesus to his readers. What a tremendous privilege those who personally met Jesus experienced. There are times that I wish that I had been one of them. But then I remember the many blessings I have received in my life and I am satisfied with living in the 20th and 21st centuries after Christ’s birth. I wonder what it would really be like to have a life expectancy of less than 50 years, no electricity, let alone no cell phones, Gameboys, etc? 2 Peter 1:16-19 16 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. 17 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.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 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. GOSPEL As Jesus converses with Moses and Elijah, I wonder what the three Apostles were thinking and talking about? I think I would be too stunned to say anything. Perhaps this is a natural reaction when we are confronted with the glory of God. However, Jesus also wants us to approach Him as a friend and confidante. Let us never forget either the glory due to our God or His desire to be in relationship with us. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Luke 9:28-36 28 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter 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.” But he did not know what he was saying. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. think: Let us never forget either the glory due to our God or His desire to be in relationship with us.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 11:07:57 +0000
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