Reflection on 6th Aug – Transfiguration of our Lord Lễ Biến Hình

Reflection on 6th Aug – Transfiguration of our Lord.

In Scripture, mountains are often a place of encounter with God. On the mountain people discover more about God and themselves. Today, for an instant, the glory of Jesus is revealed to Peter, James and John. In a flash it is clear that Jesus is not only a human being; he is the Son of God. The law and the prophets are fulfilled in a profoundly new way in Jesus. Yet, in a short time the glory of the Transfiguration disappears. What happens after they come down from the mountain? Will the disciples still believe that Jesus is God? Will they follow the Father’s exhortation to listen to him? Jesus desires that they rememeber what God has shown them.

Have you ever been struck by Christ’s presence in your life? Have you ever felt God very close to you or discovered that God is truly affecting your life?

Such a moment of encounter with God can happen anywhere. Such a moment is a gift. We can return to it in the quiet of prayer, remember it, savour it…and so be blessed again. When we remember like this, when we take time to listen to Jesus, when we simply enjoy his presence…we allow Jesus to transform us. Lord, I want to encounter You. I desire to see Your glory.

Reflection on 6th Aug – Transfiguration of our Lord.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come before you in prayer. Inspire me with awe and reverence so I may worship you as you deserve.

Encountering Christ:

1. A Glorious and Eternal Kingship: From today’s first reading from the book of Daniel we get a glimpse of his vision of God on his glorious throne and the Son of Man who came and on whom was conferred an eternal kingship. It alludes to Christ’s mediating and recapitulating role in the history of salvation. One day, all things will be put in order. He will reign supreme. His Kingship began with his Incarnation, where he ruled in poverty and humility. From the throne of his cross, he established himself as mediator, the one who restores all creation in its rightful relationship with God. Now we await his glorious coming when his victory over sin and death will be fully applied to a new creation of Heaven and earth.

2. A Glimpse of His Glory: In the second reading from 2 Peter, Peter insisted on the truth of his testimony and referred to an epiphanous event “on the holy mountain.” Luke told the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration, which is a glimpse of Jesus’ unveiled glory. From “the mountain,” a place associated with holiness and revelation throughout Scripture, Jesus prophesied that some will see the Kingdom of God before they die. Little did they understand that Jesus is the Kingdom in his Person. His humanity robes the splendor of his divinity. But Peter, John, and James were privileged to receive a foretaste of his glory.

3. Revelation to Reverence: Jesus was seen conversing with Moses and Elijah in this wondrous vision of his glory. Moses was the chosen mediator to lead God’s people from slavery to freedom. Now, the Father solemnly proclaimed that Jesus was the “Chosen One.” Jesus is the new and unique mediator who leads us out of the slavery of sin. Elijah was chosen as a great prophet to defend the one true God. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is true God yet true man, a Son of Man and Son of God. The disciples were dumbstruck before the vision and the proclamation of the Father. The only appropriate response before this mystery is reverence.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, may you be revered in all I am and do. You are the holy one of God, the Messiah, Son of the living God, and the only begotten Son of the Father. Grant me eyes of faith to see your glorious presence in my daily life.

Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will be attentive to your consoling presence and make an act of reverence, aware that you are the giver of all gifts, especially the greatest gift, salvation.