Since today is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, all the readings point only to one thing, the Kingship, Majesty and Dominion of God over all the earth. In today's 1st reading, God is described as seating on His throne and gave an impression of great power. It takes us to another aspect or level of understanding of the majesty of our God. We ought to be glad and rejoice that we have a God who is Almighty and Immortal that no one or nothing can ever be over and above Him. Whenever we hear the word throne then we immediately paint a picture in our minds about royalty, highness and being on top of everything. This is all true when we speak of God. Although we may never be able to fully visualize God, the Ancient One sitting on the throne, it reminds us of the truth that He is King of kings and Lord of lords. We just can’t put the right words into our mouth when we speak of God’s majesty. God is almighty and all powerful. He is beyond words! Amen. Hallelujah!
Daniel 7:9-10. 13-14
9 As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him... His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
We don't want to be losers here in this life, do we? All the more should we not want to be losers in the next life for eternity. We have a God who fights our battles and we are assured of His victory already. We should all be well aware of God’s angels that surround us and are sent by God to us to always light, guide, rule and guard. It is just a matter of persevering and committing to the task that we are all called to fulfill. To live a life of faith in words, thoughts and deeds in our Lord Jesus Christ who lived, died and resurrected all for our sake. Erase all doubts and be faithful to the One God who is most high above every other god. We should develop an image of God that is fitting to Him as described in today's psalm. There are significant events in our life that we can associate with certain major decisions we made and can never forget. The place where we are right now is exactly where God wants us to be. If God brings us here then He will bring us through it. God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to us in our life at this precise moment. God's purpose for us is simply perfect. He wants to show us things that only we can understand by living what we are living and by being in the place where we are now. That's God, He passes us through a lot of things for us to see His glory. We all long to become a member or even be identified with groups and associations that hold a good name and reputation. It helps us in many ways and keeps us abreast with the latest trends in our profession for example. It could be considered an asset and we would definitely not leave it out from our resume because it speaks well of us. There are even associations that require us to fulfill certain requirements in order to qualify. We even have to go out of our way and make some sacrifices such as go through rigid screening, pass certain examinations and maintain certain units in order to comply with the qualifications. All of these we are willing to do and make ourselves able just to belong. Considering that these are all earthly memberships that could only last a lifetime. What about eternal memberships that continue even after this life is over? To be a part of the Kingdom where our Lord is King is the ultimate goal we should all set our eyes on. Whenever we are faced with problems and difficulties in life we should always find consolation in a God whom nothing is lost for He knows and sees all. We may still not be in perfect shape for the Lord but God is constantly at work in those who are just and upright of heart. We have all the reasons to rejoice and be glad knowing that we have a God who is just. We should always acknowledge that without God we are nothing and God's power over us can only go as far as we allow Him to. Nothing else matters more than this truth that we have a God who is high over all the earth and exalted far above all gods. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 97:1-2. 5-6. 9
R: The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
...Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory...You, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods.
Peter declared God's tremendous power with much conviction. This due to the fact, that he had been an eyewitness of God's majesty. We know that once in our lives, too we've already witnessed the glory of God and it is only right and fitting that we proclaim it and make it known to everyone in order for us to always remember the He is Lord of lords, King of kings and Savior of the world. Today's 2nd reading is first hand information from Peter himself. He witnessed Jesus' Transfiguration which made all the difference from all other narrations which are just handed down. When we hear amazing things and stories we get all excited about it but to experience and witness it for ourselves is a lot more rewarding and convinces us even more to believe and not doubt. One way or another we've had experiences like that of Peter's when we can not deny its authenticity. Our senses have testified to it and can no longer be unbelieving. If we are to closely review our lives we will find that we too have been to Peter's situation when we also have witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus. It may not be specifically the same events but it is something that should make us hold on to God and make us a living testimony of His Almighty Power. It could serve as a lamp shining on us when darkness comes and morning seems to be far from sight. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Peter 1:16-19
16 Beloved: We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Jesus' transfiguration in Mount Tabor Grand Canyon . Such experiences, I believe can bring us to our own transfigurations as we too, become witnesses of God’s beauty which is forever changing from glory to glory. In times like these whether it’s special or not, happy or sad, we ought to just always remember and bring everything to God in prayer. Just as He spoke of His exodus (Passion and Death) in Jerusalem during His Transfiguration so is He definitely conveying to us the complete and entire story which includes His Glory and Resurrection. Six days before His passion, Jesus showed to His apostles His transfiguration to give them strength and courage in bearing witness to the gospel. We, too in our lives have our moments of transfiguration but we can’t always hold on to that in the same way that Peter intended it to be. We have to go down from the mountain and face the passion ourselves. Although this may sound so disheartening we know the end of the story, we know the reward that awaits those who will persevere. It is not easy but we go to the Lord for strength in our life so we can have peace in this valley of tears. As we go on from one event in our life to another we are being transfigured by the Holy Spirit. God transforms us to be in the glory and be stouthearted as we carry our crosses. We keep in mind that the glory prepared for us is far greater. St John Mary Vianney said that our soul know if it receives Holy Communion well if it is mortified, gentle, at peace with everyone and is capable of every sacrifice and go to Jesus with love and confidence. Let us not always think that we have too much to do, rather think of His words, come to me all who are burdened for my yoke is easy and light, can we resist such an invitation so full of love? Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 17:1-9
...behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
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