Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high
mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like
the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah
appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents
here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still
speaking, 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." When the disciples heard this, they fell
prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their
eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do
not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the
dead."
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Reflection:
Has there been a time in your life wherein you feel giving up already
because of the hardship that you’ve been going through? What did you do? Did
you ask Jesus to help you face you trials? Did you ask Jesus to help you carry
your burdens? And did you ask Jesus to strengthen your sagging morale?
One of the many reasons why Jesus brought Peter, James and John to the
mountain of Transfiguration was to strengthen them. Jesus knew beforehand that
Peter, James and John would be facing gargantuan challenges in their mission
for Him. That’s why Jesus saw it fit to bring them first to the mountain of
transfiguration to assure them that heaven exist and it’s for them to own
someday if they would be faithful to their mission.
Isn’t this our life with Jesus? Life full of challenges and often times
trials as well? However, let us not be daunted by these difficulties let us
face it with faith for Jesus is with us. He will never abandon us, He will be
with us every step of the way as we face our many life’s challenges.
The event of transfiguration shows us that heavenly glory awaits us all. If
only we would be faithful to our Baptismal mission which is to help Jesus in
His mission of evangelization. But the sad reality is many are not doing it and
many are not even aware that they have a mission to fulfill to propagate the
faith.
We who know about this must never lose heart in doing our mission for
Jesus and for the church. Yes, there would be obstacles and challenges along
the way. But that is nothing compared to what awaits us after our journey in
this world is over.
Jesus is assuring us that there is heaven and that is where we would be
someday. We therefore have to share and
live the teachings of our Lord no matter what it might cost us. Because the
cost is nothing compared to the reward in heaven someday.
Have you done something to share in the mission of the Lord? – Marino J.
Dasmarinas