It is 06th August 2017. We celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The readings are from Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; the second reading is from 2 Peter 1:16-19; and the Gospel from Matthew 17:1-9. The first reading depicts us with the vision of God in which the Son of God is portrayed as the one who has the final word and complete authority over everything seated at the right hand of the Father. His reign and power seen in the court of Heaven where God is about to judge the evil one, the perennial deceiver of the human lives. ‘To him was given domination and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed’ (Dan 7:14)” The Catechism reaffirms in CCC 664, “The mystery of the Transfiguration, then, is a manifestation, an unveiling, of the glory that the Son receives from the Father.” The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps.97:1,9). In the second reading, St. Peter reiterates the vision of God at the mountain in which he was one of the witnesses along with James and John. St. Peter shares the personal experience during the Transfiguration and inviting the entire believing community to keep this event in front of their life as the light for their spiritual lives. “You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Pet.1:19). The Gospel offers the intimate moment with Jesus at the mount where he transfigured and showed his glory to the fullest. Jesus revealed His divinity to those who were so intimate with Him. Yes, the intimate friends of Jesus received the most special vision of Him at the mountain of prayer and solitude. It is not just a display of the glory of Jesus alone but also to show the solidarity with the Prophets of the old Testament. Jesus transfigures at the Altar every day to those who participate and present fully to Him. “Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt.17:6). Do we have a time to be with Jesus to listen to Him? We too can be the participants and beneficiaries of the heavenly glory when we are willing to allow His Words to have a place in our lives. The visions of God are given to us to face the realities of the world and to suffer for Christ. Unless we have this personal, intimate and deep encounter of Jesus, our faith remains unaffected and lives unproductive. Let us make attempts to come to the mountain of love where we can surely experience the one who loves us anyway. May you have a good day.

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