Daily Readings - Thu Aug 06 2020
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.
Matthew
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 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.