THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

READINGS AT MASS TODAY

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 97

2 Peter 1:16-19

Matt. 17:1-9

Theme: THE TRANSFIGURATION -  A TRANSFORMATION

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Apostle Peter, one of the three disciples who witnessed Jesus' transfiguration, later wrote: _"we did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty."_ (cf  Second Reading)

Before setting off to Jerusalem, Jesus went up a high mountain with Peter, James and John to re-focus Himself on His salvific mission. Three of His disciples were privileged to catch a glimpse of His glory and the glory that was ahead of them and us too. So wonderful was this brief vision that Peter preferred to remain at that location. (cf. The Gospel). On that day, Peter experienced something that transformed him and gave a different perspective to his faith in Jesus Christ.

Every now and then, we Christians experience Christ and a glimpse of His glory in our lives, be it a touch of inner peace, a feeling of love or a miraculous intervention, making the message of Christ so much more real to us than a mere story. In the First Reading, God gave assurance to the Jewish people who were persecuted for their faith that ultimately, His glory will be revealed. He allowed Daniel, in a vision, to catch a glimpse of that glory. In much the same way, in stressful moments of our faith journey, God always has something to show or tell us to renew our faith and transform us into better versions of ourselves.

Beloved in Christ, Jesus' story is not a myth. The Christian experience in a personal and realistic one that is capable of bringing lasting  transformation. There is a transfiguration -total transformation- of life and situations for all who will climb the mountain of faith with Jesus Christ. 

The transfiguration of Jesus represents to us the hope of transformation for us and our situations. It means there is something better and brighter in store for us with Jesus. There is always something wonderful about going up the mountain with Jesus Christ: we are sure to return spiritually refreshed. For a glimpse of God's glory is an assurance of better days to come.

PRAYER

Lord, may I always behold in faith your transfigured face in all situations of my life and relish the hope of glory it carries. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, August 6, 2023.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.