Daily Readings for August 6, 2015

1ST READING

In the Transfiguration, the Father gives us a hint of the true identity of Jesus as His Son. This reading from the Book of Daniel presents a vision of a great king being honored by the multitudes. Let this vision remind us that the day will come when every knee will bend at the name of Jesus. It is our job as men and women of faith to prepare the way for the Second Coming of Jesus.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

9 As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 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. 13 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, 14 the One like a Son of man received dominion, splendor, 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.

P S A L M

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

R: The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.

1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 9 Because you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. (R)

2ND READING

Proverbs 29:18 states that “A nation without God’s guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God’s law.” Another translation tells us that when prophecy dies among a people, so do they. As disciples of Jesus, we have decided to take on a prophetic ministry within the life of the Church for the sake of the world. We will proclaim the truth of the Gospel. We will ensure that the Good News is proclaimed to all men and women.

2 Peter 1:16-19

16 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. 17 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.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 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

The Transfiguration of Jesus must have had a profound effect on the lives of Peter, James and John. They experienced an epiphany – a manifestation of the glory of God. This gave them an insight into the person of Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets in the Old Testament. It also suggested that they, along with the other Apostles, will be given a unique perspective of Jesus’ ministry and a major part to play at some time in the future.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Mark 9:2-10

2 Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. 7 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

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