Daily Readings - Sun Aug 06 2017
Second Reading - 2 Peter 1.16-19
2 Peter
16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Gospel - Matthew 17.1-9
Matthew
1And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.3And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.7And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.8And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.9And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful moments of divine revelation. The Second Reading from 2 Peter reminds us that the apostles were not spreading fanciful stories but were eyewitnesses to the majesty of Christ. They heard the voice of God the Father on the holy mountain, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. This experience solidified their faith and underscores the reliability of their testimony. The Gospel from Matthew recounts the Transfiguration, where Jesus, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, is glorified before Peter, James, and John. The voice from the cloud reiterates God’s pleasure in Jesus, instructing the disciples to listen to Him. This event not only confirmed Jesus’ divine identity but also prepared the disciples for the trials ahead.
The context of these readings is crucial. Peter’s letter was likely written during a time of challenge for the early Church, emphasizing the trustworthiness of their eyewitness accounts. The Transfiguration in Matthew follows Peter’s confession of faith, reinforcing Jesus’ true identity. Both readings highlight the authority of Jesus, with Peter’s letter serving as a testament to the divine message and the Gospel illustrating God’s direct endorsement.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God’s revelation and remain open to His presence. Just as the disciples were transformed by their experience, we too can encounter God in moments of prayer and reflection. The moral lesson here is the importance of listening to Jesus and trusting in His divine plan, even amidst uncertainty. Let us seek to hear His voice and allow His light to guide us, trusting in His presence and plan for our lives.