FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:9-10.13-14)
His clothing was as white as snow
As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came forth from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgement, and the books were opened. I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm97: 1-2.5-6.9(R.cf.1a.9a)
R/. The Lord is king, the most high above all the earth.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround him;
Justice and right are the foundation of his throne. R/.
The mountains melt like wax
Before the face of the Lord,
Before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory. R/.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all gods. R/.
SECOND READING
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Peter (2 Peter 1:16-19)
We heard this voice borne from heaven.
Beloved: We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye witnesses of his majesty. 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. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
The word of the Lord.
ALLELUIA Matthew 17:5c
Alleluia. This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 9:28b-36)
“As he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered.”
At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep but kept awake, and they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” – not knowing what he said, as he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, my chosen; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
The Transfiguration shows us what we are created for eternity, and what we are to be, that is: we are made to have faces that shine like the sun and hearts as white as light. The troubles of life get us disfigured, and the light in our faces and hearts fades away. So the Transfiguration of the Lord tells us that it can be different, and it must be different. It depends on what we want and the price we are willing to pay for it. My insight on the Transfiguration is that it is our body, mere dust that we adorn with make-up and fashion, that Jesus wants to transfigure by having his body scourged and nailed to the cross!