THE FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
First Reading - Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Second Reading - 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel - Luke 9:28-36
The first reading, taken from the Book of Daniel, evokes apocalyptic scene of the vision of the Son of Man coming in cloud with majesty and splendor. The apocalyptic vision of Daniel had a background of consolation for the persecuted Jews by Antiochus IV who was forcing the Jews to forgo their beliefs and practices and accept Greek practices and their gods and goddesses (hellenization of the culture). The vision of Daniel was an assurance for the people, for Daniel emphasized that Son of Man was a divine representative who would establish his kingdom and vanquish the kingdom of the evil ruler. Jesus very calmly applied this title for himself to show his role as the divine king of Daniel who has the authority and power to rule and judge.
The gospel scene of transfiguration brings to our mind the glorified figure of Christ as mentioned in the first reading by the prophet Daniel. The gospel has a few emphasises on the transfiguration scene: firstly, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets. It's Moses who gave the law and Elijah was considered as one of the greatest prophets. Hence, the appearance of both conclude that it's Jesus who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets; meaning he is the person of whom the law aimed at and the prophets spoke about. Secondly, the voice from heaven confirms the authority of the words of Jesus - "This is my beloved son, listen to him." This means that whatever Jesus speaks and says is true. The scene of transfiguration was so captivating and enormous that Peter was confused, what to say. The scene of transfiguration was so imprinted in the minds of the apostles, particularly, Peter that in his letter, that we hear in the second reading, confirms that he has seen the glory of Jesus when he was alive on earth. He was simply taken up by that scene.
Dear friends, the transfiguration was indeed the confirmation that Jesus is the Son of God as the voice from heaven validated it. Besides it, the scene of the transfiguration was also the glimpse of heaven as witnessed by the apostles. This scene became a perpetual imprint on the mind of the apostles. This transfiguration also brings us close to the manifestation of God that we have visible form in our lives everyday through our daily events and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we experience transfigured Christ, though the host appears and tastes like ordinary bread but after the consecration the very nature transforms and that becomes a new entity as the person of Christ. Are we transformed at this sight? In fact, everytime we receive Him in the simple bread, we are invited to be transformed into Him. The feast accentuates the transformation that we should have everytime we receive Him during the Eucharist.
The feast also reminds us today to listen to Jesus who speaks to us. The voice from heaven commanded the apostles 'to listen to Jesus.' Jesus speaks to us through the readings of everyday; he speaks to us through our inner voice, our events and different people, have we paid attention to him? If we are able to listen to Jesus, we will be transformed as we see happen in the lives of saints and many people. Let's pay close attention to the voice of Jesus.
May God help us be transformed into the person of Christ everytime we recieve Him in the consecrated host.
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