Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 6, 2017
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.2Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.4His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.5The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols- worship him, all you gods!8Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.9For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.10Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1.16-19
16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Gospel: Matthew 17.1-9
1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.4Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.7But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised 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.