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Gospel Reading for August 6, 2024 – Mark 9: 2-10
LIGHT and SHINE
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.
As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
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Did Jesus know he would be transfigured when they went up a high mountain? Maybe, yes and maybe, no. If it was yes, perhaps he purposely took Peter, James and John to witness such a great event in his life – being united with 2 very important and revered personages in the life of the Israelites as a chosen people. Jesus was not separate from Moses and Elijah. Their lives were connected to each other. After the resurrection, the apostles would understand the whole history of salvation of humankind. If it was no, perhaps God the Father wanted to please him just as much as he was so pleased with his Son. Peter, James and John were assured that Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus, is the Lord of the Transfiguration. When we truly believe and follow him, he transfigures our lives to be like unto him – lives that give LIGHT and SHINE in the darkness of sin; lives that are saved; and lives that continue up to eternity!
Lord Jesus, may each day find us ever closer to you until our day of recall!
