Daily Readings - Sun Aug 06 2023
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 journey through profound moments that reveal the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Daniel presents a vision of the Ancient of Days, symbolizing God's eternal sovereignty, and the son of man who receives dominion over all peoples. This vision is a messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus, who would be given all power and authority.
The second reading from 2 Peter serves as an eyewitness account of the transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John behold Jesus in His divine glory. This event, also narrated in Matthew's Gospel, shows Jesus transformed before His disciples, with Moses and Elijah appearing to signify the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. God's voice commands them to listen to Jesus, underscoring His authority and divine sonship.
These readings call us to reflect on our own faith journey. Just as the disciples were in awe and fear, we too may face moments of uncertainty. Yet, Jesus' comforting words, "Rise, do not be afraid," remind us to trust in His presence. In our daily lives, we are invited to listen to Jesus, to seek His light in darkness, and to live according to His teachings. May we, like the disciples, come down from the mountain with renewed faith, ready to follow Him in love and obedience.