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Our Sunday Reflection - August 6, 2023 The Transfiguration of the Lord
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And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.
Matthew 17:2
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Today we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration, remembering the day when Jesus was transfigured before the eyes of his closest disciples. On that day, our Lord’s glory shone through him like the sun, his whole being shining with light. We recall that on the first day of creation, God transformed the world with light. Let us join Peter, James, and John on this holy mountain, where Jesus, who dwells within us, transforms every darkness in our lives to light.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Today we hear three different accounts of the Transfiguration. The apocalyptic vision in Daniel foreshadows the event, featuring many of the same elements: clothing as bright as snow, clouds from heaven, and the Son of man. The author of the second letter of Peter writes as an eyewitness to the event. Matthew gives a descriptive account of that day. Let us heed Peter’s words and be attentive to God’s word and this prophetic message.Reflections
- Matthew writes that when Peter, James, and John see Jesus transfigured and hear the voice of God they are “very much afraid” (Matthew 17:6). Jesus immediately goes to them and calms them, saying “Do not be afraid” (17:7), recalling the words an angel says whenever appearing to someone in the Bible. Seeing their Lord in his dazzling glory and hearing God’s voice unnerves them, just as people visited by spiritual beings are unnerved. To reassure and refocus the disciples, Jesus at once sets their minds at ease.
- What should their focus be at this point of Jesus’ mission? Just before their journey up this mountain, Jesus had told them for the first time that he would suffer at the hands of the authorities, be killed, and then be raised on the third day. He had gone on to tell them that his disciples must deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow him. They will be repaid for their conduct when “the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory” (16:27). Now they have just seen a foretaste of that glory. In case they don’t put two and two together, God explicitly commands them to listen to Jesus. He told you that he would be put to death. Listen to him. He told you that you must carry your crosses. Listen to him. He promised you that he will be raised and come again in glory to repay you. Listen to him.
- Our world has always been in need of transformation, and these days that need seems especially great. Jesus gives us the first step. We need to deny our own priorities, our own desires, our own self-interests, and take up the challenge to uncover and reveal the kingdom that God is building in our midst. Let us be, as Peter says, “a lamp shining in a dark place,” shining the light of God into the darknesses in need of transfiguration (2 Peter 1:19).
Question of the Week
Which self-interest of mine will I promise to put aside and what cross will I pledge to carry, transfiguring my life and my little part of the world?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, August 6, 2023
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, August 6, 2023
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Offerings
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Reflections on the readings
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