Daily Readings - Tue Aug 06 2024
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 that reveal the divine plan and the identity of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Daniel presents a vivid apocalyptic vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man, symbolizing God’s eternal sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. This vision, filled with imagery of thrones, fire, and heavenly beings, speaks of a future where all nations will serve the Son of Man, emphasizing the eternal and universal nature of God’s kingdom.
The Gospel from Mark recounts the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. Appearing with Moses and Elijah, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The voice from the cloud reaffirms Jesus as the beloved Son, instructing the disciples to listen to Him. This moment is a pivotal revelation of Jesus’ identity, bridging the prophecy of Daniel’s Son of Man with the Messiah who will rise from the dead.
These readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God’s plan. Just as the disciples faced confusion and fear, we too may encounter uncertainty. Yet, the Transfiguration teaches us to seek clarity in prayer and to trust in God’s revelation. The moral lesson here is to recognize Jesus as our guide and to trust in His divine plan, even when the path is unclear. Let us strive to listen to Jesus, embracing His teachings and allowing His light to transform our lives, trusting that His kingdom will prevail.