＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

 I looked and saw the following:

Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, his hair white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and a countless multitude stood before him.

Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence.

 Dominion, honor and kingship were given him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.

 

Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

2 Peter 1:16-19

 Indeed, what we taught you about the power and the return of Christ Jesus our Lord was not drawn from myths or formulated theories. We ourselves were eyewitnesses of his majesty, when he received glory and honor from God the Father,

When from the magnificent Glory this most extraordinary word came upon him: “This is my beloved Son, this is my Chosen One.” We ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

 Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets which you should consider rightly as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. Jesus’ appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became bright as light. Just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

Peter spoke and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. If you so wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud covered them in its shadow, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”

On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear. But Jesus came, touched them and said, “Stand up, do not be afraid.” When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. And as they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had just seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead.

 

 Gospel Reflection：

The Feast of the Transfiguration manifests Jesus’ connection with anointed people of the past. Moses and Elijah are the most authoritative figures of God’s past covenant.

Peter, James, and John consider that glorious moment a confirmation of Jesus’ authority alongside Moses and Elijah. The apostles, however, are stuck on these figures of the past. When Peter offered to build tents, he wanted to dwell in there.

But Jesus wants them to look ahead. The apostles forgot that they have NOT ONLY stood or dwelt in tents with Jesus. They walked, ate, and slept with Him. They had Moses and Elijah standing with Jesus only in an instant. But they have Jesus on a daily basis.

We ourselves share the same transifiguration every day as we embrace Jesus’ mission. Our transfiguration does not happen on a hill in momentary glory. It happens daily as Jesus lives in us.