TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD JESUS
First Reading: Daniel 7: 9-10 and 13-14
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1: 16-19
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17: 1-9
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. The (prophetic) vision of Daniel is narrated. In the vision, Daniel sees the Son of man in great glory and power. The Lord God (Ancient of days) gives Him dominion, glory and power over all peoples and kingdoms. This vision is a pre-figuration of the glory of Jesus the Son of God at His transfiguration on Mount Tabor in the presence of His beloved disciples.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Peter. Peter affirms that he is an eyewitness to the honour and glory given to Jesus by God the Father. This is confirmed by the voice from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This eyewitness account of St. Peter is for all of us who were not part of the transfiguration event at that time. But now we are invited to be part of that glorious event which took place on mount Tabor.
This is my beloved Son Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The transfiguration of Jesus, which took place on a mountain is narrated in detail. Jesus takes three of His disciples: Peter, James and John on a high mountain and there He is transfigured. As a result, Jesus' face shines like the Sun and His clothes become white as light - indicating that something extra-ordinary and heavenly is happening to Jesus. At the time of transfiguration, Moses and Elijah - two of the towering personalities of Old Testament - appear and converse with Jesus. This signifies that Jesus' mission has the approval of those two great men of old. As He speaks with Moses and Elijah, they are overshadowed by a bright cloud. A voice from the cloud proclaims, "This my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The presence of the cloud and the voice signifies the presence of the Heavenly Father, approving the mission of Jesus. Subsequently, the disciples are terrified and fall on their faces - indicating that they are in the presence of the divine. Finally, Jesus reassures the disciples and tells them, "Rise and have no fear." This is much like the assurance given to the disciples by the risen Lord at the resurrection experiences. This heavenly experience is granted to the disciples in order to strengthen their faith in Lord and meet various challenges in their future mission. The feast of transfiguration is celebrated by the Church to strengthen our faith in the Lord especially in times of doubts and challenges in our lives. The messages of Transfiguration of the Lord: 1. Jesus is not merely human. He is indeed the Son of God. 2. The heavenly Father blesses and approves His mission in the world. 3. Like the three disciples, we too can experience the transfiguration experience if we are united with the Lord.
"It is indeed good to be here, as you have said, Peter. It is good to be with Jesus and to remain here for ever. What greater happiness or higher honour could we have than to be with God and to be made like him and to live in his light." - Bishop Anastasius of Sinai (on transfiguration of the Lord)
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