Reflection for August 6 Friday the Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast): Mark 9:2-10

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

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.

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Reflection:

Have you been tested by God and has that test of faith transformed you to become a more zealous and faithful follower of the Lord? 

In the Old Testament (Genesis 22:1-19) 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 was 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 invite us to examine our faithfulness towards God. How are we as a disciple/follower of God? 

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 call. 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 on 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 we are presently facing and we would be facing in the future are test of our fidelity towards God. If we would be able to pass all these test there surely would be a reward which is everlasting life in heaven with God someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas