Daily Readings - Thu Aug 06 2020
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:
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 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.