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, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’

Matthew 17:1-9

Reflection:

Our gospel for today is from Matthew 17:1-9 which tells us the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The disciples were very lucky to have seen this momentous scene. They were the ones who first saw Him clothe in all glory as He should be.

At the sound of God’s voice, the disciples prostrate themselves on the ground, terrified. Matthew 17:1-9 is close to telling us that the disciples didn’t know what to do at that moment. They hear the gentle voice of Jesus, “Get up (rise up) and do not be afraid.” Jesus words point to resurrection to a new life and the abolition of fear and anxiety. Imagine this scene during this time of prayer – can you hear the gentle voice of Jesus speaking to you now? Did you ever fell the presence of God on your shoulder as you contemplate in prayer?

In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus revealed Himself in all His divine glory. It is a special moment for them, as Peter confirms – ‘it is good for us to be here’. This is the moment where we say that the disciples were the privilege ones to have seen Jesus. Imagine the happiness of these disciples when they saw with their own eyes the greatest glory.

Matthew 17:1-9 is telling us to bear witness of the greatest power of God and as Christians, we can feel it too. Like the disciples, we can see Jesus and feel His presence within our lives through His miracles. How is this even possible when at present people even neglect to see God in everything?

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, everything we do can be a miracle from God. When the sun rises every morning and we open our eyes is a miracle. The sun sets, the fact that we are still alive and breathing, the families and friends we have are miracles. We don’t need to see Jesus as He transfigured because every day is already a miracle to us from Him. This is what Matthew 17:1-9 is telling us. – Clea | Helpline PH