August 6, 2018

Gospel: Mk 9:2-10
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There, his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke and 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.” For he did not know what to say: they were overcome with awe. But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved: listen to him!” And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them. As they came down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this to themselves, although they discussed with one another what ‘to rise from the dead’ could mean.

Reflections
His appearance was changed before their eyes The transfiguration of Jesus takes place after Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah. In the preceding passage, Jesus explains the preconditions for discipleship, the invitation to deny oneself and to take up one’s cross, the necessity of losing one’s life in order to save it. Suffering and death are preludes to resurrection and glorification. We must be careful not to glorify suffering, but rather construe suffering as the consequence, often times, of faithful discipleship to Jesus. Often, suffering is brought about by those who extinguish the radiance of those who bear witness to God’s light.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018