Tag Archives: transfiguration

LISTEN TO HIM

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Thursday, 6th August – Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

LISTEN TO HIM

Mark 9:2-10

At the transfiguration, Moses the publisher of the Law and Elijah the chief of the Prophets were seen shining in the light of Christ who came not to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfil them (Mt 5:17). As the old covenant God had with the Israelites was on the verge of giving way to the new and everlasting covenant in Christ Jesus, Moses and Elijah appeared to help the apostles see the Redemption promised, prophesied and now accomplished in Jesus.

Just as Moses and Elijah were led by God to the Holy Mountain, to witness His Glory and deliver God’s message to the Israelites (Exodus 33:18, 1King 19:9), so were the apostles are led by Jesus to the mount of transfiguration to witness His glory. It was an encounter intended to keep faith alive in them so that they may not be scandalized by Jesus’ sufferings and death. Christ built His Church on the foundation of the apostles (Eph 2:20), giving them the mandate to make disciples and teach them to observe all He had commanded them. Thus, the apostles and their successors are the custodians of the Christian faith.

“This is my beloved Son, listen to Him”, as the voice of God called the apostles to listen to Christ, so does He call us to listen to the Church and her leaders and as we study and meditate on the Holy Scriptures. Do we take time to listen to our priests and other leaders of the Church or do we label them ‘boring’ and ‘old fashioned’? As we make decisions in life, do we consider the Church’s stand on the choices we make? In the midst of the numerous modifications of the gospel being preached, are we aware of false interpretations and do we turn to the Church for guidance? Do we take into consideration the Church’s stand on exam malpractice, premarital sex, drug abuse, abortion, use of contraceptives and homosexuality? Do we spend time alone in studying Scripture and listening to Christ as He speaks to us? Dear friends, as we celebrate today’s feast, let us make a commitment to listen to the voice of Christ in the Scriptures and in His Church.

PRAYER: Lord help your Church to remain always as light in the darkness of the world. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 344 –Why does the Church also make declarations about ethical questions and about matters of personal conduct?

Believing is a path. One learns how to stay on this path, in other words, how to act rightly and to lead a good life, only by following the instructions in the Gospel. The teaching authority (Magisterium) of the Church must remind people also about the demands of the natural moral law.

HIDE A TREASURE: “You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 CCB

Today’s Readings: Daniel 7:9-10. 13-14, Psalm 97:1-2. 5-6. 9, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Mark 9:2-10

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THE GLORY OF GOD

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Wednesday 6th August – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Reflection: Daniel 7:9-10

THE GLORY OF GOD

From time immemorial, God has demonstrated His glory in diverse ways. In the beginning, God created all things out of nothing. The only substance He used for creation was His spoken Word. In today’s text, we see Daniel having a glimpse into the glory of God. It is indeed a sight to cherish and behold for a life time. The glory of God has the capacity to turn you into a completely new person. Peter for instance, encountered this glory at the mount of transfiguration, there and then he lost consciousness of his humanity, all he wanted was to build a tent there, so as to perpetually dwell in that glory.

Have you ever desired such a glory in your life before? If you have then be assured that God will not deny you of such life-changing experience. Like Peter, James and John who were there on the mountain with the Lord, you have to be very committed in your relationship with God. This is the simple prerequisite for encountering God in His glory. David also, was a man who was familiar with the glory of God to the extent that he declared: “O God you are my God, and I long for you. My whole being desires you; like a dry, worn-out, and waterless land, my soul is thirsty for you.” (Psalm 63:1)

We must then desire God with our whole being if we ever want to have such life changing encounter with God. As a youth, you are not too young to be a bearer of God’s glory, no. In fact, you are due. So brace up today, and decide for yourself what kind of Christian you want to be, whether a passive one or glorious one. Beloved, once you come in contact with this everlasting glory of God, you will become a testimony to your generation, and your impact on the surface of the earth will be a lasting one.

PRAYER: Father, let your face shine upon me, reveal your glory in my life as I worship you this day. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2085: “The one and true God reveals his glory to Israel. The revelation of the vocation and truth of man is linked to the revelation of God. Man’s vocation is to make God manifest…”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Give to the Lord, O angels of God, give to the Lord, glory and power”      Psalm 29:1 CCB

Readings for Today: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6 ,9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9