Monday, 6 August 2018

...my Son, the Beloved: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (B) (06th August, 2018).


Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (B) (06th August, 2018) on the Gospel and the Feast
 
Dan 7:9-10.13-14;
Ps 96:1-2.5-6.9. (R. vv. 1.9);
2Pt 1:16-19;
Mk 9:2-10.

The bible gives account of the Transfiguration of the Lord on the mountain, cf. Matt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36; 2Pt 1:16-18. In all the synoptic gospels, this took place shortly after Jesus first foretold His Passion, death, and resurrection. According to Tradition, this took place on Mount Tabor. This feast started in the East about fourth century and four centuries later, it spread to the West. Pope Callixtus III elevated the Transfiguration of the Lord to a Feast and extended it to the universal Church. He established 6th August, the day the news of the defeat of the Turks at Belgrade by the Crusaders on 22nd July, 1456 reached Rome for its celebration. It also coincided with the day the first church that was built there in the fourth century was dedicated.
Topic: ...my Son, the Beloved.
Six days after Jesus foretold His Passion and death, He took with Him Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. He was transfigured before them, his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. Moses and Elijah appeared and discussed with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”. A cloud overshadowed them and a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”
Earlier when Jesus was baptized, a voice came, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22; cf. Mat 3:17; Mk 1:11). Therefore, what was said about Him when He was baptized was also said at the climax of His public ministry.
At baptism, our sins were completely washed away, cf. Acts 22:16; Gal 3:27; 1Pt 3:21. We are born again as sons and daughters of God, cf. 2Cor 6:18; 1Cor 12:13. We were raised from death by the glory of the Father at baptism for us to walk in newness of life, cf. Rom 6:4; Col 2:12. The issue is the state we are now after the Baptism. What is in heaven cannot be compared with whatever that distracts us here on earth. However, the choice is ours. Each of us must decide wisely where he/she would like to spend eternity.
Bible Reading: Rom 6:1-13; Col 2:6-19.
Thought for today: Are you still God’s chosen one?
Let us pray: Lord, restore us to the state we were when baptized – Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ – Have mercy on us.
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