Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Lectionary: 614
Lectionary: 614
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.
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.
Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
R. (1a and 9a) 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,
and 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.
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,
and 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.
Reading 22 PT 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.
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 MT 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter,
James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Meditation: "Jesus was transfigured before them"
Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his
glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when some of the disciples 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."
Luke's 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."
 Listen and Learn |
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August 6, 2014. Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
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Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his
brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was
transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes
became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking
with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here;
if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses,
and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright
cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my
beloved Son; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the
disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But
Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."
And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they
were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about
the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Introductory Prayer: I come before you, Lord, a sinner in
awe of your great love and mercy. I believe in you, and I put you at the
center of my life. I humbly put all that I am before you and, like the
apostles, recognize my littleness before your grandeur. With the help of the
Blessed Mother’s intercession, I place this meditation in your hands,
trusting that you will give me the graces that I need most.
Petition: Lord, teach me how to listen to your voice.
1. Unexpected Graces: Peter, James and John are privileged
to go with Jesus atop the mountain where he is transfigured before them. What
a splendid sight it was: Jesus conversing with Moses and Elijah before their
very eyes. They are beside themselves and are in awe at what unfolds. This is
the way Christ is with each of us. When we least expect it, he gives us a
wonderful dose of his grace to strengthen us in our walk with him. This
privilege, however, isn’t simply for us to look at and admire; it is a call
to respond to his invitation of love. Jesus was calling these three apostles
to a deeper level of love and trust in him; he is doing so with us, too.
2. Listen to Him: At this sight, the apostles are
awestruck and don’t know what to say. Peter feels compelled to say something,
although it seems he really didn’t know what he was saying. The question is:
Why did he feel as if he had to say something? Often in the spiritual life,
we can struggle with the temptation to say too much. In this Gospel passage
we hear the portentous words of the Father: “This is my son with whom I am
well pleased. Listen to him!” Christ is calling us to listen attentively to
his words and not to feel compelled to have to say something. He is looking
for a response in action more than in words.
3. Get up. Be Not Afraid: When his
Transfiguration is over, Jesus gets the three apostles up. This experience of
Christ was beyond them. Yet Christ is educating them as to his true nature,
his divine nature. They don’t have to be able to explain it or understand it
fully; they need to act in faith. This is what we are called to do: act in
faith. There is no time for us to be afraid of what the future will bring. We
must get up out of our comfort zones and our attitudes, listen to Christ, and
do as he says in faith. There is so much for us to do and so little time in
which to do it. We need to make use of every instant to learn from the Lord
himself through prayer and the sacraments and to make a real difference in
the world by bringing more souls to know, love and live for Christ.
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank
you for revealing yourself to me and for showing me how to listen to God and
do his will faithfully. I know that I can frustrate you, putting my two cents
in and talking when I should be listening to you. I need to continue to learn
how to listen more attentively to you. Please help me to be open and docile
to you and your loving messages for me.
Resolution: In my prayer time today I will dedicate myself to
listening to the Lord.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, MATTHEW 17:22-36
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD,
(Daniel 7:9-10,13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD,
(Daniel 7:9-10,13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
KEY VERSE: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (v 5).
READING: Jesus had told his disciples that he would soon face suffering and death, but he said that they would not “taste death” until they saw "the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Mt 16:28). After six days, Jesus summoned his disciples to the mountain to reveal himself as having full authority "in heaven and on earth" (Mt 28:16-18). The mountain was a unique place of God's revelation, such as to Moses the lawgiver on Mount Sinai (Ex 20:1-17) and to the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kgs 18:19-39). The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus revealed that he was the new liberator and prophet, but also that suffering and divinity were not mutually exclusive. Jesus' saving death would free the people from their slavery to sin and death. On the mountain of the Transfiguration, Jesus’ face changed its appearance, and his clothes became dazzling white. Thus the disciples experienced a glimpse of Jesus’ lordship as it would be fully manifest at the coming of the kingdom. Peter saw this moment as a sign of the Messianic age. He asked that tents be erected, such as those in which their ancestors dwelled during their journey to the Promised Land (Lv 23:39-42). While Peter was still speaking, the divine presence overshadowed them, declaring Jesus as God's "beloved Son." To him alone must they listen (Dt 18:15).
REFLECTING: How have I been transformed by my experiences of Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to see you in all your appearances in my life
The Lord will build up Zion again,
and appear in all his glory
‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be
uprooted.’German poet Goethe tells us: ‘Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.’ Jesus, in his encounter with these Pharisees, is not looking to overturn tradition or ritual for the sake of doing so, but asks his disciples to question whether it is of the Father. He tells us that the work and goodness of God should not be at the mercy of anything else. God has granted us many things in creation, worship and relationship. But we are always called to discern. Do I engage in those things that matter the least? Things which are not of God? Lord, grant me the wisdom to know what is of you, and the courage to challenge that which is not.
LECTIO
DIVINA:THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (A)
Lectio:
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father of everlasting goodness,
our origin and guide,
be close to us
and hear the prayers of all who praise you.
Forgive our sins and restore us to life.
Keep us safe in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
our origin and guide,
be close to us
and hear the prayers of all who praise you.
Forgive our sins and restore us to life.
Keep us safe in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 17,1-9
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led
them up a high mountain by themselves. There in their presence he was
transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as
light. And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with
him.
Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you want me to, I will make three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.'
When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them, saying, 'Stand up, do not be afraid.' And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about this vision until the Son of man has risen from the dead.'
Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you want me to, I will make three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.'
When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them, saying, 'Stand up, do not be afraid.' And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about this vision until the Son of man has risen from the dead.'
3) Reflection
• Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The
Transfiguration takes place after the first announcement of the Death of Jesus
(Mt 16, 21). This announcement disturbs the head of the Disciples, especially
Peter (Mt 16, 22-23). They were living among the poor, but the head was lost in
the dominating ideology of that time. They were expecting a glorious Messiah.
The cross was an impediment to believe in Jesus. The Transfiguration, where
Jesus appears glorious on the top of the mountain, was for them a help to
overcome the trauma of the Cross and to discover the true Messiah in Jesus. But
even with this, many years afterwards, when the Good News was already diffused
in Asia Minor and in Greece, the Cross continued to be for the Jews and for the
gentiles a great impediment to accept Jesus as Messiah. “The Cross is
foolishness and scandal!”, as it was said (1Co 1, 23). One of the greatest
efforts of the first Christians was to help people to become aware that the
cross was not a scandal, nor foolishness, but rather the most beautiful and
strongest expression of the wisdom of God (1Co 1, 22-31). Today’s Gospel
contributes to this effort. It shows that Jesus saw realized the prophecy and
that the Cross was the way to Glory. There is no other way.
• Matthew 17, 1-3: Jesus changes aspect. Jesus goes up to the top of the mountain. Luke adds that he goes there to pray (Lk 9, 28). There, on the top of the mountain, Jesus appears in the glory, before Peter, James and John. Together with Jesus Moses and Elijah also appear. The high mountain evokes Mount Sinai, where, in the past, God had manifested his will to the people, giving them the Tables of the Law. The white clothes recall Moses who was radiant with light when he was speaking with God on the Mountain and received the Law from God, (Ex 34,29-35). Elijah and Moses, the two maximum authorities of the Old Testament, speak with Jesus. Moses represents the Law, Elijah, the prophecy. Luke tells us that the conversation was on the “Exodus” (the death) of Jesus in Jerusalem (Lk 9, 31). Thus, it is clear that the Old Testament, that is the Law as well as the Prophets, already taught that for the Messiah, the way to Glory had to go through the Cross. There is no other way.
• Matthew 17, 4: It pleases Peter, but he does not understand. It pleases Peter and he wants to stop that pleasant moment on the Mountain. He offers himself to build three tents. Mark says that Peter was afraid, and did not know what he was saying (Mk 9,6), and Luke adds that the Disciples were sleepy (Lk 9,32). They were like we are: it is difficult for them to understand the Cross!
• Matthew 17, 5-8: The voice from Heaven clarifies the facts. When Jesus is enveloped by the glory, there was a voice from Heaven which said: “This is my Son, the Beloved, he enjoys my favour. Listen to Him”. The expression “Beloved son” evokes the person of the Messiah Servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 42, 1). The expression “Listen to Him” evokes the prophecy which promised the coming of a new Moses (cf. Dt 18, 15). In Jesus the prophecies of the Old Testament are being fulfilled, the disciples can no longer doubt. Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah and the way to arrive to the glory passes through the cross, according to everything announced in the prophecy of the Messiah Servant (Is 53,3-9). The glory of the Transfiguration proves this. Moses and Elijah confirm it. The Father guarantees it. Jesus accepts it. Before everything which was taking place the Disciples are afraid and fall on their faces. Jesus gets close to them, touches them and says: “Stand up, do not be afraid”. The Disciples raised their eyes and saw only Jesus and nobody else. From now on, Jesus is the only revelation of God for us! Jesus, and he alone, is the key to be able to understand Scripture and Life.
• Matthew 17, 9: To know how to keep silence. Jesus asks the disciples to tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead. Mark says that they did not know what it meant to rise from the dead (Mk 9, 10). In fact, the one who does not join suffering to the resurrection will not understand the significance of the Cross. The Cross of Jesus is the proof that life is stronger than death. The full understanding of the following of Jesus is not obtained by theoretical instruction, but by practical commitment, walking with him along the road of service, of Galilee until Jerusalem. .
• Matthew 17, 1-3: Jesus changes aspect. Jesus goes up to the top of the mountain. Luke adds that he goes there to pray (Lk 9, 28). There, on the top of the mountain, Jesus appears in the glory, before Peter, James and John. Together with Jesus Moses and Elijah also appear. The high mountain evokes Mount Sinai, where, in the past, God had manifested his will to the people, giving them the Tables of the Law. The white clothes recall Moses who was radiant with light when he was speaking with God on the Mountain and received the Law from God, (Ex 34,29-35). Elijah and Moses, the two maximum authorities of the Old Testament, speak with Jesus. Moses represents the Law, Elijah, the prophecy. Luke tells us that the conversation was on the “Exodus” (the death) of Jesus in Jerusalem (Lk 9, 31). Thus, it is clear that the Old Testament, that is the Law as well as the Prophets, already taught that for the Messiah, the way to Glory had to go through the Cross. There is no other way.
• Matthew 17, 4: It pleases Peter, but he does not understand. It pleases Peter and he wants to stop that pleasant moment on the Mountain. He offers himself to build three tents. Mark says that Peter was afraid, and did not know what he was saying (Mk 9,6), and Luke adds that the Disciples were sleepy (Lk 9,32). They were like we are: it is difficult for them to understand the Cross!
• Matthew 17, 5-8: The voice from Heaven clarifies the facts. When Jesus is enveloped by the glory, there was a voice from Heaven which said: “This is my Son, the Beloved, he enjoys my favour. Listen to Him”. The expression “Beloved son” evokes the person of the Messiah Servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 42, 1). The expression “Listen to Him” evokes the prophecy which promised the coming of a new Moses (cf. Dt 18, 15). In Jesus the prophecies of the Old Testament are being fulfilled, the disciples can no longer doubt. Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah and the way to arrive to the glory passes through the cross, according to everything announced in the prophecy of the Messiah Servant (Is 53,3-9). The glory of the Transfiguration proves this. Moses and Elijah confirm it. The Father guarantees it. Jesus accepts it. Before everything which was taking place the Disciples are afraid and fall on their faces. Jesus gets close to them, touches them and says: “Stand up, do not be afraid”. The Disciples raised their eyes and saw only Jesus and nobody else. From now on, Jesus is the only revelation of God for us! Jesus, and he alone, is the key to be able to understand Scripture and Life.
• Matthew 17, 9: To know how to keep silence. Jesus asks the disciples to tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead. Mark says that they did not know what it meant to rise from the dead (Mk 9, 10). In fact, the one who does not join suffering to the resurrection will not understand the significance of the Cross. The Cross of Jesus is the proof that life is stronger than death. The full understanding of the following of Jesus is not obtained by theoretical instruction, but by practical commitment, walking with him along the road of service, of Galilee until Jerusalem. .
4) Personal questions
• Has your faith in Jesus given you some moment of
transfiguration and of profound joy? How have these moments of joy given you
strength in difficult moments?
• Today, how can you transfigure both your personal and your family life, and the community life of your neighbourhood?
• Today, how can you transfigure both your personal and your family life, and the community life of your neighbourhood?
5) Concluding Prayer
The mountains melt like wax,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his saving justice,
all nations see his glory. (Ps 97,5-6)
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his saving justice,
all nations see his glory. (Ps 97,5-6)
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