Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured:
3 his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them.
4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus.
5 Then Peter spoke to Jesus, ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’
6 He did not know what to say; they were so frightened.
7 And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’
8 Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead.
10 They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.
Reflection:
Our gospel for today talks about the appearance of Christ in radiant glory to three of his disciples. While they were there praying something extraordinary and wonderful happened. Jesus was transfigured and he was changed; his face shone like the son, and his clothes became as white as light.
These disciples were very lucky to have witnessed this miracle from Jesus. The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a brief and transient glimpse of Jesus in all his glory. It is a taste of what is to come. It is offered to us to encourage and challenge us in our daily lives to do well. It reminds us that our lives are far more than what see, hear and experience every day for as long as we are alive.
It is not just a matter getting through the day. Being a follower of Jesus is about living with meaning, purpose and hope. The transfiguration not only offers us a sight of Jesus in all his glory, it also offers each of us a preview of what God promises each of us in the fullness of the Kingdom.
We may never have knowledge in anything as powerful as the Transfiguration. Every day in innumerable and seemingly small ways God does break into our world and our daily lives. Every time we experience a moment of peace, joy, reconciliation or forgiveness, God is with us. Every time that we reach out to help another person is a moment of transfiguration both for ourselves and for those we help. Each time somebody displays care and concern for us is a moment when God reaches out to us.
This week, let us open our hearts so that we may hear Jesus talking to us. May we slow down and look for moments of small but important times of transfiguration in our own ordinary daily lives.
“Lord, in everything I do, let not others praise me but You. – Clea | helpline PH
