Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 ・Psalm 97; 1+2, 6+9,・2 Peter 1.16-19 ・Matthew 17. 1-9
The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus is primarily explained and of course commonly understood as a glimpse of heavenly glory, and as the ultimate encounter with the Divine, with God Himself.
As a glimpse of heavenly glory, this Transfiguration event allows us to hope to experience the fullness of God`s presence as well the reality (realization) of afterlife. This glory of heaven may sound to be different from the kind of the Kingdom of Heaven that we can possibly establish while on earth through continuous values (gospel values) formation among ourselves – a gateway (a requirement) most probably, in becoming witnesses to the fullness of God`s presence in the future. This glimpse, for Peter James and John, serves as an encouraging encounter that led them to deepen their faith in Jesus,, and made them better prepare for the challenges that lay ahead in their ministry as Apostles of Jesus.
As an ultimate encounter with the Divine, with God Himself, the Transfiguration event allows us to anticipate that the fruit of our authentic prayer & faith life is like that of Apostles Peter, James. These Apostles are privileged witnesses to an ultimate Divine encounter. We can also be privileged witnesses to the Divine when we embrace the call to holiness and let Jesus` Light shine through us, both through our words and actions.
Our Prayer:
Heavenly Father, from whom all the Divinity overflows, we thank you for your frequent invitation to renew our commitment to living a life full of virtues. Just as the apostles Peter, James and John were transformed by their encounter of your Divinity, may we too, encounter the transfigured Christ in our life today in the society and in the Church. May we all be transformed by our encounter with Jesus the Divine Healer through the celebration of the Sacraments in the Church. May we be transformed by our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and through our individual and community prayer.. We ask all these through the Glorified Christ our Lord. Amen.