Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
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."
Of
course, we all long to be in heaven when our time in this world comes to an
end. Deep within our hearts is the desire to spend eternity in the loving
presence of God. But an important question remains: Are we willing to sacrifice
something of ourselves so that we may one day enter His heavenly kingdom?
The
account of the Transfiguration of our Lord reminds us that heaven is not merely
a distant dream—it is a glorious reality prepared by God for those who remain
faithful to Him. It also gives us a glimpse of the eternal glory that awaits
those who persevere in following Christ. Therefore, let us all aspire to be
heaven-bound, keeping our eyes fixed not only on the joys of this life but,
more importantly, on the everlasting joy that God has promised.
Yet
the Gospel also reminds us that there is no free ride to heaven. Following
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and faithfully walk in
His footsteps. If we truly desire to enter God's eternal kingdom, we must be
willing to make sacrifices out of love for Him and for others.
Many
of us hesitate to make sacrifices because they require us to surrender our
comfort, our plans, our pride, or even our personal desires. But what is any
sacrifice compared to the incomparable joy of heaven? What is any temporary
suffering in exchange for everlasting life? And what is any cross we carry if
it leads us closer to the Kingdom of God?
After
their extraordinary encounter with the glory of Christ on the Mount of
Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John did not remain on the mountaintop. They
descended the mountain and returned to the ordinary realities of life, where
they would each face hardships, persecution, and sacrifices for the sake of
proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
They
could have chosen the easier path by distancing themselves from their Lord and
Master. Instead, they remained faithful to Jesus despite suffering, rejection,
and even death. They endured because they trusted His promise and believed that
beyond every cross awaited the everlasting glory of heaven.
The
same invitation is extended to us today. Our own journey of faith will also
include sacrifices, disappointments, and crosses. Yet whenever we offer them to
God with love and perseverance, He transforms them into stepping stones that
lead us closer to Him. No sacrifice made for Christ is ever wasted, and no act
of faithful obedience goes unnoticed by God. In His perfect time, He will
reward those who remain steadfast in faith.
As
we continue our pilgrimage through this earthly life, may we never lose sight
of our true destination. Let us carry our crosses with hope, remain faithful in
every trial, and courageously live out the teachings of Jesus each day, knowing
that the glory of heaven far outweighs every hardship we endure for His sake.
When
our earthly journey is over and we finally stand before the Lord, will He find
in us hearts that loved Him enough to embrace the sacrifices required of
faithful discipleship? Today, what comfort, attachment, or fear is Jesus asking
us to surrender so that we may follow Him more wholeheartedly on the path that
leads to eternal life? ?—Marino J. Dasmarinas
No comments:
Post a Comment