Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9
“And He Was Transfigured Before Them.”
1. Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Transfiguration means a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. The gospel of Matthew reports: “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, his brother, 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.” (Matt. 17:1-2). The mountain is a traditional meeting place with God. Moses received 10 Commandments on the mountain. “When the Lord came down to the top of the mount Sinai, he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain. (Matt. Ex. 19: 20.) Jesus revealed himself to his disciples in his glorified state on this mountain. His transfiguration was a preview of the future when the Son of Man would come in glory to consummate his kingdom. These same three friends will be with him again in the garden of Gethsemane when he needs their support as he prepares to give his life to save the world. (Matt. 26:36-56; Mk. 14:32-50, Lk. 22:39-53; Jn: 18:1-12).
2. We see Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, the prophet appearing before the Lord. Peter was confused and wanted to remain in the euphoria of that holy mountain. Up there, there was peace, quiet, and tranquility. He wanted to stay. “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. No wonder in the second reading, Peter said, “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. 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 come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.” Peter refers to the Father’s voice they heard, as He commanded them to listen to Christ. The Father is in complete agreement with the suffering of his Son. He knew that the Son would not suffer in vain. His suffering will be redemptive and salvific. But then Christ had to prepare himself and his disciples for his suffering and death. He went up the mountain to pray, to be with his Father. It was during his prayer that he was changed and transfigured. It was during his prayer that he discerned and understood the voice of his Father.
3. Dear friends, if we must change, we must seek the face of God through prayer. If we present ourselves to God in prayer, he will change us from inside out. He will make us better people. He will make it easy for us to listen and discern the voice of God. There are so many conflicting voices in our world today. They are filtered through Facebook platform, Twitter, tik Tok, and you name it. On the other hand, the various commercials we see on television present us with many options. We must drive this car, live in this type of house, or wear this dress or that shirt; we must look this way or that, to belong. Who should we listen to; who is right, and who is wrong?
4.
There is only one absolute path in this world: the path to
righteousness. And Peter knew the answer when he said, “Lord, to
whom shall we go? You have the word of eternal life. We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the holy one of God.” (Jn
6:68-69). There are many ministries in our parish; these are pathways to
discovering the face of God; through these ministries, God continues to reveal
himself to us and changes our life. Attending Mass is good practice for us.
Please join us for Mass on Sundays and weekdays whenever your schedule allows
you. Make that part of your routine when you are off work. It is always an
excellent way to start the day. Schedule it into your off day. Join us in
praying the rosary after Mass. Ask the Blessed Mother to teach you to love
Jesus as she does. Sign up and spend some time with the Blessed Sacrament on
Wednesdays from 9:45 am to 12 noon. Be active with other sporadic acts of
kindness, and you will see how much God will change you. Be blessed!
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.
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