Daily Readings - Fri Aug 06 2021
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.
Mark
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.5Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound visions of divine authority and transformation. The first reading from Daniel presents a majestic scene of God's throne, where the Ancient of Days presides over a celestial court. This vision underscores God's eternal sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. The Gospel from Mark recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus, where His divine glory is unveiled before Peter, James, and John. This moment not only confirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God but also strengthens the disciples' faith as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
These passages are deeply connected, as both point to the revelation of God's glory and the ultimate dominion of the Messiah. In Daniel, the vision prepares the people for the coming of a divine ruler who will reign forever. In Mark, the Transfiguration is a fulfillment of that promise, as Jesus, the Son of Man, is revealed in His glory. Together, they remind us that God's plan unfolds in His time, and His kingdom will endure forever.
As we reflect on these readings, let us draw strength from the knowledge that we are part of a larger story. In moments of uncertainty, may we trust in God's eternal plan and listen to the voice of Jesus, who calls us to follow Him. Let us strive to live as disciples who, like Peter, James, and John, are transformed by the encounter with Christ and committed to His mission. May we find hope in the promise of God's kingdom, where love and justice will reign supreme.