Sts. Peter, James and John witnessed the transfigured majesty of Jesus on the holy mountain (Mt 17:1ff). They heard the voice of God the Father testify that Jesus is His Son (Mt 17:5). They saw Jesus' face become "as dazzling as the sun, His clothes as radiant as light" (Mt 17:2). What a vision of heaven on earth!
St. Matthew places the vision of the transfigured glory of Jesus between prophecies of Jesus' intense suffering (Mt 16:21; 17:12). Thus Jesus' glory is connected with His suffering. This is a message for our own lives; there is no glory apart from suffering.
So we must bring Jesus our brokenness and sufferings. Through our crosses, we will share in His glory (see Rm 8:18). Currently, we suffer in this valley of tears (see Ps 23:4). St. Peter encourages us to keep before our eyes the transfigured majesty of Jesus (2 Pt 1:19), His coming again in glory, and our eternal destiny in heaven.
A great way to do this is by attending Mass as often as possible, even daily. At each Mass, heaven is wedded to earth in Jesus (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1335), and we receive the Eucharistic, transfigured Lord Jesus. "Listen to Him" (Mt 17:5). "Fix your eyes on Jesus" (Heb 3:1).
| PRAYER: | Father, help me stay focused on Your beloved Son, Jesus. |
| PROMISE: | "You, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth." –Ps 97:9 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, transfigured in glory, the "Light of the world" (Jn 8:12), shining in radiant splendor. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College