Daily Readings - Tue Aug 06 2019
First Reading - Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 or 2 Peter 1.16-19
Daniel
9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
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:
Luke
28And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.30And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.33And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.36And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which 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.