Daily Readings - Sun Aug 06 2023
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 journey through profound moments that reveal the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Daniel presents a vision of the Ancient of Days, symbolizing God's eternal sovereignty, and the son of man who receives dominion over all peoples. This vision is a messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus, who would be given all power and authority.
The second reading from 2 Peter serves as an eyewitness account of the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John behold Jesus in His divine glory. This event, also narrated in Matthew's Gospel, shows Jesus transformed before His disciples, with Moses and Elijah appearing to signify the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. God's voice commands them to listen to Jesus, underscoring His authority and divine sonship.
These readings call us to reflect on our own faith journey. Just as the disciples were in awe and fear, we too may face moments of uncertainty. Yet, Jesus' comforting words, "Rise, do not be afraid," remind us to trust in His presence. In our daily lives, we are invited to listen to Jesus, to seek His light in darkness, and to live according to His teachings. May we, like the disciples, come down from the mountain with renewed faith, ready to follow Him in love and obedience.