August 06, 2019 (The Transfiguration of the Lord)
Listen to him!
Dear friends in Christ, Today we celebrate the transfiguration of the Lord. This feast marks a turning point in the ministry of Jesus. From now on, the focus will be on the glory of the cross. But the silence of the Lord of life, on the cross, is itself a loud cry that we need to listen.
In the first reading of today (Daniel 7:9-10;13-14) Daniel sees in his vision a glimpse of the heavenly court. Before God—the Ancient of Days—he saw presented the one like the son of man who was “given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him…” Jewish and Christian traditions have identified this figure with the messiah who is given power and authority over all of creation.
The second reading (2Peter 1:16-19) leaves no doubt about what was revealed in the New Testament times. Peter testifies concerning Jesus saying, “For when he received honour and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” Peter tells us that the Apostolic witness of what happened on that mountain is a confirmation for the community and it is on us to hold fast to this tradition as a lamp shining in the dark place.
In the gospel (Luke 9:28b-36) Luke tells the story of what Peter had referred to in the second reading. Jesus brought with him three of his Apostles who actually witnessed what took place on the day. The importance of prayer cannot be overemphasised, as the key to the Christian life. Jesus went into prayer and then the disciples could see the change in his countenance, followed by the appearance of Moses(—who represents the Laws) and Elijah(— who represents the prophets). They discussed the events that will happen in Jerusalem with Jesus, his passion, death and resurrection. The Apostles must have been startled by the experience. Peter Then spoke up, "Master, it is well that we are here, let us make three booths, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Jesus made no reply. It was clear that Peter was just reacting in the spur of the moment. Then they were overshadowed by a cloud and heard the voice saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
God the Father has chosen him to lead us, in him we are also chosen through the sacrament of baptism to become sons and daughters of God. Our duty is to listen to him and to follow him who is the way the truth and the life. Listening to him is the great lesson of this experience. Peter got no answer, he needs to listen, so also we need to listen. The world is full of noise and distraction yet even in the market place there’s so much to learn if we listen.
Let us pray: Lord, lift us up from our wretchedness to share in the glory of eternal life. Amen. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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