First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Reflection:
The book of Daniel conveys visions that the prophet Daniel had of heaven. In this account of a vision, we hear about “the Ancient One who took his throne.” Clearly, the Ancient One refers to God. Then, we hear of “one like a Son of man [who] received dominion, glory, and kingship” from “the Ancient One.” The passage even goes on to say that “His dominion is an everlasting dominion,” and “his kingship shall not be destroyed.” Clearly, then, the “Son of man” is also divine. Through the lens of Christ’s revelation we understand that this Old Testament prophesy is referring to God, the Father (the Ancient One) and God, the Son, Jesus Christ (the Son of man). In fact, during Jesus’ public ministry He attributed the title “Son of man” to Himself and His Jewish audience found that to be blasphemous because they clearly understood that to be a divine title. Jesus is truly the “Son of man” referred to in the book of Daniel because He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. His divinity was made manifest at the Transfiguration, which we commemorate this Sunday.
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Reflection:
In this reading we hear St. Peter’s recounting of the Transfiguration of the Lord, when Jesus’ divine glory was revealed to His three closest Apostles, Peter, James, and John, on Mt. Tabor. The gospel reading will provide St. Matthew’s account of that event, but here we read the words of one of the eyewitnesses, St. Peter himself. As he explains, “we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty,” and “We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.” St. Peter references this experience to give witness to the truth of the Christian faith, evidencing that Jesus Christ is truly the Lord, and that our faith is not based on “cleverly devised myths.” He argues that our faith is “altogether reliable.” It is not made up, but trustworthy. Jesus is truly the Son of God. He is God in the flesh. His divine glory was revealed at the Transfiguration and He remains glorified in Heaven now for all eternity. We are called to respond to Jesus’ glory in faith and obedience, trusting in His identity as God’s beloved Son and listening to Him. For, as St. Peter says, “You will do well to be attentive to it” (that is, the message of Jesus).
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9
Reflection:
The gospel reading recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus on a mountaintop. Here, the glory of Jesus was revealed to Peter, James, and John (Jesus’ closest followers), as it would later be shown to all after Jesus’ resurrection. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament, so their appearance makes evident Jesus’ connection with the Old Testament story that He came to fulfill. Additionally, the events of the Transfiguration mimic the experiences of Moses on Mt. Sinai in Exodus 24, further evidencing Jesus’ continuity with the story of Israel.
As was typical, Peter spoke on behalf of the others at this event. Yet, his suggestion of pitching tents evidenced his lack of understanding. Therefore, he was interrupted by the magnificent revelation coming from heaven. The words, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him,” are similar to the words the Father spoke to the Son at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. Those words and this event must have echoed in the minds of Peter, James, and John for the rest of their lives (as is evidenced by St. Peter’s reference to it in the second reading). These words definitively revealed Jesus’ identity. He is the Son of God! The command to “listen to him” is a call to faith and obedience. Today too we are called to “listen” to Jesus, entrusting ourselves to His perfect will, knowing that He will always lead us to what is best, because He is the Son of God.
Application:
How can you better heed the Father’s command at the Transfiguration to listen to Jesus? Commit to spending time in silent prayer in order to hear God’s voice, and follow where He leads you.
