Daily Readings - Tue Aug 06 2019
First Reading - Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 or 2 Peter 1.16-19
Daniel
9"As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.13"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
2 Peter
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.
Luke
28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.30Two men, Moses and Elijah,31appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)34While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."36When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what 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.