Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart
by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became
dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah
appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then
Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make
three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He hardly knew
what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over
them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.
As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to
relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from
the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from
the dead meant.
+ + + + + + +
Reflection:
Have you been tested by God? Has that test of faith transformed you to
become a more zealous and faithful follower of the Lord?
In the first reading Abraham survived the litmus test of his faith when
he responded to God’s command to bring his son Isaac to the mountain and offer
him as his sacrifice to Him. Abraham obeyed God without question even if it is
at the expense of his son. For his obedience Abraham was blessed abundantly by
God and he was rewarded by God with countless descendants.
If we are in the shoes of Abraham would we sacrifice our son/child
without any question? Would we be as faithful as Abraham in his discipleship to
God? These two questions invites us to self examine our faithfulness towards
God. How are we as a disciple/follower of God? Maybe some of us are fair
weather disciples/followers only.
In the gospel Jesus together with Peter, James and John went to the
mountain when He was there already He was transfigured before them. Why did
Jesus go to the mountain? Was He called by God to go to the mountain?
There was no mention of that sort. Perhaps, there was a call from God
for Jesus to go to the mountain so that God can further strengthen Him as He
nears His passion. And so that He would remain obedient and focused in His
salvific mission.
In the transfiguration of Jesus we are made aware of the reality of
heaven, the reality of heavenly life and the reality of God’s existence. On the
other hand we are also being confronted of the present realities of our earthly
journey.
That life in this world is not easy, that it’s full of trials and
sacrifices. Nevertheless, we should not allow these hardships, trials and
sacrifices to distract us from reaching our ultimate goal which is to be with
God in heaven someday.
The trials that you are presently facing and you would be facing in the
future are test of your fidelity towards God. If you would be able to pass all
these test there surely will be a reward and that is your everlasting life in
heaven someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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