Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Transfiguration of the Lord
1st Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
2nd Reading: 2 P 1:16-19
Gospel:
Mt 17:1-9
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 bright
as light. Just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
Peter spoke and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here.
If you so 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 in 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 just seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead.
Commentary
We all have ups and downs in life. At times we feel like we're on a mountaintop with a clear vision of the Lord; his presence becomes clear, making us feel happy and full of courage. Other times we feel down, burdened, abandoned in a valley of tears in the market place of our daily routine. We all need little transfigurations in our life, to look at ourselves and at everything else from the perspective of God, his Law and his Word, to feel reaffirmed by the Lord's presence. Though, like Peter, we would like to remain in Tabor, we will find courage to face any new challenge in life. Viktor Frankl said: "A person can bare anything as long as he has a reason, a purpose, a vision," like what the disciples got at the Transfiguration.