First reading
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
As I watched:
Thrones were set in place
and one of great age took his seat.
His robe was white as snow,
the hair of his head as pure as wool.
His throne was a blaze of flames,
its wheels were a burning fire.
A stream of fire poured out,
issuing from his presence.
A thousand thousand waited on him,
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
A court was held
and the books were opened.
And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,
one like a son of man.
He came to the one of great age
and was led into his presence.
On him was conferred sovereignty,
glory and kingship,
and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
which shall never pass away,
nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
The word of the Lord.
The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,9
Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,9
Second reading
2 Peter 1:16-19
It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge of the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; we had seen his majesty for ourselves. He was honoured and glorified by God the Father, when the Sublime Glory itself spoke to him and said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.’ We heard this ourselves, spoken from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have confirmation of what was said in prophecies; and you will be right to depend on prophecy and take it as a lamp for lighting a way through the dark until the dawn comes and the morning star rises in your minds. The word of the Lord.
Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’ The gospel of the Lord.
Reflection
I wouldn’t attempt to explain heavenly events with earthly language, these are wonderful experiences Daniel revealed in the 1st reading and concurred by Peter in the 2nd reading and further justified by Mathew in today’s gospel reading. We are drawn into the divine nature of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man: his majesty, honour, glorification and validation. A glimpse of Jesus’ glory is usually told as the Transfiguration narrative. And what does it mean to you?
On ‘Jesus’ has been conferred eternal sovereignty, glory and kingship; “…he has been given a name above all other names…” Philippians 2:9-11 Jesus is a revelation of the law and the prophets. There is a validation and we are given one instruction; Listen to him!!! What further confirmation does one need to believe in Jesus?
There is this divine glory foretold about Jesus Christ and which cannot be taken away from him as stated “His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.” Daniel 7:14
Prayer
Heavenly Father I thank you, I praise you, bless you and glorify your holy name. May thy Kingdom come! I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Saviour. May my life receive divine transformation as I invite Jesus to rule over every area of my life and take control. Have your way Lord, Amen!
Speechless…