August 6, 2019 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

2019년 8월 6일 주님의 거룩한 변모 축일

오늘의 복음 : http://info.catholic.or.kr/missa/default.asp 

제1독서

다니엘 예언서 7,9-10.13-14<또는 2베드 1,16-19>
9 내가 보고 있는데 마침내 옥좌들이 놓이고 연로하신 분께서 자리에 앉으셨다. 그분의 옷은 눈처럼 희고 머리카락은 깨끗한 양털 같았다.
그분의 옥좌는 불꽃 같고 옥좌의 바퀴들은 타오르는 불 같았다. 10 불길이 강물처럼 뿜어 나왔다. 그분 앞에서 터져 나왔다.
그분을 시중드는 이가 백만이요 그분을 모시고 선 이가 억만이었다. 법정이 열리고 책들이 펴졌다.
13 내가 이렇게 밤의 환시 속에서 앞을 보고 있는데 사람의 아들 같은 이가 하늘의 구름을 타고 나타나 연로하신 분께 가자 그분 앞으로 인도되었다.
14 그에게 통치권과 영광과 나라가 주어져 모든 민족들과 나라들, 언어가 다른 모든 사람들이 그를 섬기게 되었다. 그의 통치는 영원한 통치로서 사라지지 않고 그의 나라는 멸망하지 않는다.

제2독서

베드로 2서. 1,16-19
사랑하는 여러분, 16 우리가 여러분에게 우리 주 예수 그리스도의 권능과 재림을 알려 줄 때, 교묘하게 꾸며 낸 신화를 따라 한 것이 아닙니다. 그분의 위대함을 목격한 자로서 그리한 것입니다. 
17 그분은 정녕 하느님 아버지에게서 영예와 영광을 받으셨습니다. 존귀한 영광의 하느님에게서, “이는 내 아들, 내가 사랑하는 이, 내 마음에 드는 이다.” 하는 소리가 그분께 들려왔을 때의 일입니다. 18 우리도 그 거룩한 산에 그분과 함께 있으면서, 하늘에서 들려온 그 소리를 들었습니다. 
19 이로써 우리에게는 예언자들의 말씀이 더욱 확실해졌습니다. 여러분의 마음속에서 날이 밝아 오고 샛별이 떠오를 때까지, 어둠 속에서 비치는 불빛을 바라보듯이 그 말씀에 주의를 기울이는 것이 좋습니다. 

       

복음

마태오. 17,1-9
그 무렵 1 예수님께서 베드로와 야고보와 그의 동생 요한만 따로 데리고 높은 산에 오르셨다. 2 그리고 그들 앞에서 모습이 변하셨는데, 그분의 얼굴은 해처럼 빛나고 그분의 옷은 빛처럼 하얘졌다.
3 그때에 모세와 엘리야가 그들 앞에 나타나 예수님과 이야기를 나누었다.
4 그러자 베드로가 나서서 예수님께 말하였다. “주님, 저희가 여기에서 지내면 좋겠습니다. 원하시면 제가 초막 셋을 지어 하나는 주님께, 하나는 모세께, 또 하나는 엘리야께 드리겠습니다.”
5 베드로가 말을 채 끝내기도 전에 빛나는 구름이 그들을 덮었다. 그리고 그 구름 속에서, “이는 내가 사랑하는 아들, 내 마음에 드는 아들이니 너희는 그의 말을 들어라.” 하는 소리가 났다.
6 이 소리를 들은 제자들은 얼굴을 땅에 대고 엎드린 채 몹시 두려워하였다.
7 예수님께서 다가오시어 그들에게 손을 대시며, “일어나라. 그리고 두려워하지 마라.” 하고 이르셨다. 8 그들이 눈을 들어 보니 예수님 외에는 아무도 보이지 않았다.
9 그들이 산에서 내려올 때에 예수님께서 그들에게 명령하셨다. “사람의 아들이 죽은 이들 가운데에서 되살아날 때까지, 지금 본 것을 아무에게도 말하지 마라.”

August 6, 2019

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Daily Readings — Audio

Daily Reflections — Video

http://www.usccb.org/bible/ 

Daily Mass : http://www.catholictv.com/shows/daily-mass 

Reading 1

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient one took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw:

One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient one
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

 

Responsorial Psalm

97:1-2, 5-6, 9

R. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods. 
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

 

Reading II

2 Pt 1:16-19

Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
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.

 

Gospel

Mt 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, 
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them; 
his face shone like the sun 
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here, 
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, 
then from the cloud came a voice that said, 
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes, 
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone 

until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

http://evangeli.net/gospel/tomorrow

 «Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents (…)»

Fr. Antoni CAROL i Hostench
(Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain)

Today, while pondering over the Transfiguration, we can sense man situation in Heaven. What interest us the most is to consider the spontaneous reaction of those "earthly partners" of that scene. once again, is Simon Peter who takes the floor: "Master, it is good for us to be here" (Lk 9:33). It is wonderful to see that, only by looking at the body of Christ in a glorious mood, Peter feels fully happy: he does not miss anything else

"Let us put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Peter’s reaction shows the truest dynamism of love: he thinks no more of his own comfort; he wants to save that level of deep joy, by seeking the good of others (in this case, by interpreting it in a very human way: some shelters!). It is the clearest manifestation of true love: I am happy because I make you happy; I am happy by offering me to your happiness.

Besides, the fact that Simon intuitively recognizes Moses and Elijah is very revealing. Peter, logically, knew about them, but had never seen them (they had lived centuries earlier!) but, instead, he identifies them immediately (as if he had always known them). Here is a sample of the high degree of knowledge of man in Heaven: when looking at God "face to face", man will experience an unimaginable expansion of his knowledge (a much more profound participation in the Truth). Finally, «"divinization" in the other world will bring to the human spirit “such a range of experience of truth and love such as man would never have been able to attain in earthly life» (St. John Paul II).

Finally, Simon, when seeing Moses and Elijah, not only accepts them instantly, but also loves them immediately (he thinks of putting up a shelter for each one of them). St. Peter, Pope (the first one of the Church), but also a fisherman, expresses his love in a simple way; St. Teresa, nun, but Doctor (of the Church) expressed the logic of love in a profound way: «the contentment of pleasing the other exceeds my own contentment».

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

 

The Feast of the Transfiguration is a truly remarkable day in the Church. But rather than focus on this wondrous revelation of the previously hidden eternal glory of Jesus, I would like to reflect on the words God said to his Son that day when he said, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.”

Wow, what a tremendous compliment! (And note, God did not qualify his praise for Jesus by adding a condition like, “but I think you maybe could have handled the woman at the well a little differently.”) In just ten words God told Jesus, with Peter, James and John standing nearby, how pleased he was with him and his admiration for Jesus’ acceptance of his journey on earth, and willingness to die for our sins so that we might have salvation.

Today, giving a compliment is rapidly becoming a lost art.  Maybe because we are preoccupied with our smartphones and less aware of those around us and what they are doing. There was a time when compliments were free flowing. We might even have complimented a co-worker’s appearance by saying, “You look very nice today.” But today, saying those words would probably lead to a call from HR before the day is over and mandatory enrollment in a sensitivity course.

Instead of focusing on complimenting someone, today’s culture and society is more aligned with trying to tear them down, to make them feel less of a person. Perhaps in doing so, some wrongly feel superior.  Instead of looking for the good in someone, we now seem programmed to find the bad in them and exploit it. 

And gone with the lost art of giving a compliment is accepting one. When someone compliments us for a job well done, our reply is more often along the lines of, “Well what did you think I was going to do?” as opposed to graciously saying, “Why thank you. That was nice of you to say.”

But why compliment someone anyway? Is it our duty to make someone feel good about themselves or their work? We are all big people, so why should we waste our time singling out an achievement or something we liked?  For that matter, why did God tell Jesus he was “well pleased” with him? Wasn’t Jesus just fulfilling the prophecy?

We should be generous with compliments because lifting others up is part of who we are as Christians – no, make that a big part of who we are.

As Christians, we need to be aware of the positive impact our interaction with others and our sincere and genuine compliments can have. We should recognize and compliment the good a person is doing in their life to help others, the unselfish way in which they share their time and talent with those less fortunate, or the success they have had in overcoming obstacles. Our admiration, support, or encouragement can bring a smile to a face, change a mood, soothe souls and maybe even change a life.

Today, as we go about our daily activities, try and give three to five sincere compliments, and don’t forget to include those closest to us, especially spouses, children and dear friends. Not only will we likely lift their soul and spirits, but the joy we give to them will boomerang back to us. 

 http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

SLEEPING IN THE CLASSROOM

"Peter and those with him had fallen into a deep sleep; but awakening, they saw His glory." �Luke 9:32

Jesus took Peter, James, and John off by themselves, and "went up onto a mountain to pray" (Lk 9:28). "While He was praying, His face changed in appearance and His clothes became dazzlingly white" (Lk 9:29). However, Peter, James, and John had fallen into a deep sleep (Lk 9:32). When they awoke, they were in a fog (Lk 9:34). They heard God tell them to listen to Jesus (Lk 9:35). They saw Jesus transfigured in radiant glory, but they missed the encouraging message that God is all-powerful. Jesus again took Peter, James, and John off by themselves, and went into a garden to pray (Mk 14:33). He began to change in appearance once more, suffering distress and sweating blood (Lk 22:44; Mk 14:34). Jesus intended the first prayer class, with its transfigured glory, to serve as an encouragement for this second prayer class, with its suffering and defeat. That's why the Father spoke from a cloud in majesty at the transfiguration to tell the disciples to listen to Jesus. However, Peter, James, and John forgot the first lesson and fell asleep again (Mt 26:43). This time, they awoke to find Jesus' captors at hand. Though Jesus and the Father had prepared them, Peter and James abandoned Jesus and fled (Mk 14:50). Jesus knows our "spirit is willing but [our] nature is weak" (Mk 14:38). He will keep teaching us until we learn to pay close attention (2 Pt 1:19). "Awake, O sleeper" (Eph 5:14). Fix your eyes on Jesus transfigured (Heb 3:1). "Listen to Him" (Lk 9:35).

Prayer: Jesus, give me "ears open to obedience" (Ps 40:7).

Promise: "We possess the prophetic message as something altogether reliable." —2 Pt 1:19

Praise: Praise You risen Jesus, transfigured in glory! You dwell in unapproachable light (1 Tm 6:16), yet You come humbly to us as the Lamb of God. Alleluia!

 http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/

 "This is My Son, the Beloved - Listen to Him!"

Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when some of the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on a high mountain. [In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches, this event is celebrated as a major feast on August 6.] Jesus often went to a lonely place to pray - to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the crowds. But on this occasion, Jesus face radiated with light and his clothing became dazzling white (Luke 9:29).

When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles - Peter, James, and John.

What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem - his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).

The Lord wants to share his glory with each of us
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.

 Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the crown of glory that awaits each one of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.

Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD), an early church bible scholar and writer, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives:

"When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness."

Stay awake spiritually - Don't miss God's glory and action
Luke's Gospel account tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually?  There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ.  Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.

Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?

"Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory."

Psalm 97:1-6, 9 1 The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coast lands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries round about.
4 His lightnings lighten the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The transfiguration of Jesus, by Jerome (347-420 AD)

"Do you wish to see the transfiguration of Jesus? Behold with me the Jesus of the Gospels. Let him be simply apprehended. There he is beheld both 'according to the flesh' and at the same time in his true divinity. He is beheld in the form of God according to our capacity for knowledge. This is how he was beheld by those who went up upon the lofty mountain to be apart with him. Meanwhile those who do not go up the mountain can still behold his works and hear his words, which are uplifting. It is before those who go up that Jesus is transfigured, and not to those below. When he is transfigured, his face shines as the sun, that he may be manifested to the children of light, who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). They are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the children of day. They walk honestly as in the day. Being manifested, he will shine to them not simply as the sun but as he is demonstrated to be, the sun of righteousness." (excerpt from COMMENTARY on MATTHEW 12.37.10)

  

More Homilies

 August 6, 2017 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord