1st Reading: Dan 7:9-10, 13-14
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. 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.
2nd Reading: 2P 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.
Gospel: Lk 9:28b-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 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. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
THE GLORY OF JESUS, THE SON OF GOD: The presentation of the account of transfiguration in Luke is the anticipation of a future glory. Luke emphasizes the impact of the event upon the disciples. They ‘saw his glory’ (v.32) and they ‘entered the cloud’ (v.34). Peter’s suggestion to make ‘dwellings’ seems to be an attempt to perpetuate the vision. Moses and Elijah appear in glory (v.31). Moses and Elijah were prophets who suffered greatly in bringing God’s redemption to Israel. In fact, they are a sign that Jesus would fulfil the expectations of the people. They speak of Jesus’ ‘departure’ which he was ‘about to accomplish in Jerusalem.’ Jesus will be glorified in Jerusalem and his glorification also will accomplish the redemption that God wills for his people. The voice that come from heaven expresses the divine approval of Jesus and is intended for the disciples to give their trust and obedience to Jesus.
Prayer: Lord help me to have trust in Jesus Christ as the son of God.
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A PRAYER THAT CHANGES LIFE: Prayer is a time of encountering and conversing with God. The mount Tabor experience was so important for disciples to deepen their faith in Jesus and clear any doubts they had. Jesus showed them his majesty and glory. The appearance of Moses and Elijah showed that the Torah and all the prophecy find fulfillment in him. God once more affirmed that Jesus was his beloved Son and the disciples had to listen to him. Transfiguration was a foretaste of the heavenly glory that Christ was about to enter. Our journey to heaven began at our baptism. We are called daily to grow in faith through prayer. The glorified Christ appears to us in scriptures and offers himself in the Eucharist. Eucharist is a foretaste of the heavenly food. It is also the food for the journey for the sick or the dying (viaticum). God’s word has the capacity to transform our lives. Man is what he eats. Reception of sacraments should enable us to offer our lives for others.
DAILY GOSPEL 