Daily Readings - Thu Aug 06 2020
First Reading - Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 or 2 Peter 1.16-19
Daniel
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.
2 Peter
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,
Matthew
1And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.3And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.4And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."6When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."8And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.9And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound visions that illuminate God's plan and the identity of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Daniel presents a vivid apocalyptic vision where the Ancient of Days, a symbol of God, sits in judgment. The Son of Man, a messianic figure, receives dominion over all nations, signifying God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom. This vision, written during a time of great persecution, offers hope to God's people, assuring them of divine deliverance and victory.
The Gospel narrative of the Transfiguration complements Daniel's vision, as it provides a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. Following Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. The appearance of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, underscores the fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus. The voice from the cloud reaffirms Jesus as the beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to Him. This event not only confirms Jesus' identity but also strengthens the disciples' faith, preparing them for the trials ahead, including His crucifixion and resurrection.
These readings invite us to reflect on the nature of hope and trust in God's plan. Just as Daniel's vision sustained the faithful during persecution, the Transfiguration reminds us to find strength in Jesus' presence and teachings. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises, even amidst challenges, and to seek solace in the knowledge of Jesus' ultimate triumph. May we, like the disciples, rise above our fears and walk faithfully, guided by the light of Christ.