Gospel: Lk 9:28b-36
JESUS took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
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The Transfiguration happens after the first prediction of the passion (cf Lk 9:22), immediately after Jesus’ declaration that some disciples will see the Kingdom of God coming (cf Lk 9:27). The disclosure of Jesus’ true character points to the suffering and glorification of Jesus that are intimately related. The vision granted to the chosen disciples is meant to prepare them for the scandal of the cross. When, at the passion, they see him as “spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain, like one from whom you turn your face” (Is 53:3), they are to remember their experience on the mountain.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
