August 06, 2017

Gospel: Mt 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain, where they were alone. Jesus’ appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as snow. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter was still speaking, when a bright cloud covered them with its shadow; and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him.“
On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear. But Jesus came, touched them, and said, “Stand up, do not be afraid!” When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. And as they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead.

REFLECTION:
Read: On this feast of Transfiguration, we are presented with Daniel’s vision of the grandeur of God and the apostles’ vision of the glory of Christ. In his letter, Peter recalls the experience and attests to its authenticity.
Reflect: God is mysterium tremendum, a tremendous mystery that evokes holy fear in those who glimpse it. Isaiah (6:1-5) experienced this and was stunned. But Peter and his friends experienced tremendous joy and love at the sight of transfigured Christ. In the incarnate Christ, the fear-evoking tremendous mystery becomes deeply lovable and approachable. Let us hold both dimensions of God’s mystery and not lose either of them–the mystery that evokes holy fear and holy love.
Pray: Pray for a share in Christ’s transfiguration.
Act: Transfigure a human life today by feeding a hungry child or forgiving an enemy.