Daily Readings for August 6, 2016

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

1ST READING

The Old Testament prophets received some very spectacular visions. To understand them, we need to reflect on the message of the vision and pray to the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts according to God’s will for us.

DANIEL 7:9-10, 13-14

9 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. 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, 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

Peter speaks about the honor and glory that God deserves from us. Let us reflect on this as the “culture of respect” for elders is fading in most societies around the world. We must remember to give honor and glory to God at every opportunity.

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

Jesus is transfigured before James, John and Peter. Moses and Elijah appear, the great figures of the Old Testament, in whom we see the traditions of the Law and Spirit respectively. What is Jesus saying to us today through this event? He wants us to see that the traditions of Moses and Elijah are fulfilled in Him and are passed on to the Church through the Apostles. Jesus is the bridge between the old and the new. Through Him, we understand what God was saying then and what He continues to say now.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

LUKE 9:28-36

28 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 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. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

think: Jesus is the bridge between the old and the new. Through Him, we understand what God was saying then and what He continues to say now.