Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 6, 2019
First Reading: Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 or 2 Peter 1.16-19
9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.13I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
16For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.17For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,"18we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.19And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!2Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.4His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.5The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!8Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.9For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.10O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Gospel: Luke 9.28b-36
28Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.32Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said.34As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"36And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound visions of divine authority and transformation. The first reading from Daniel presents a majestic vision of the Ancient of Days, surrounded by heavenly ministers, who grants eternal dominion to one like a son of man. This vision, written during a time of persecution, offers hope in God's ultimate sovereignty and the promise of a Messiah. The Gospel from Luke recounts the Transfiguration, where Jesus, in the presence of Peter, James, and John, reveals His divine glory. Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets, and a heavenly voice affirms Jesus as the beloved Son, instructing the disciples to listen to Him.
These readings are deeply connected, as both point to the divine identity of Jesus. Daniel's son of man prefigures the Messiah, while the Transfiguration confirms Jesus as that Messiah, reinforcing His authority and mission. The voice from the cloud underscores the importance of heeding Jesus' teachings, just as the son of man in Daniel receives eternal dominion.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan, especially during challenging times. The Transfiguration reminds us that glimpses of God's glory can strengthen our faith. The moral lesson is clear: we must listen to Jesus and align our lives with His will. As we navigate life's uncertainties, may we find courage in the knowledge of God's sovereignty and the transformative power of Jesus' presence. Let us strive to listen to His voice and follow His path, trusting in His eternal kingdom.