Daily Readings for August 6, 2017

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

1ST READING

The Old Testament encourages us to reflect on the glory we should give God every day. If we honor God as we should, then He will not forget us. He will be walking beside us in both the good times and the bad. This will keep us in good stead when struggles and trials come our way, as they surely will.

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 isles 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 asserts that the veracity of the Gospel does not rest in myths, but in the testimonies of the men and women who have experienced the presence of God in their lives. This is why each of our stories, no matter how simple, is important. There is always someone to whom our story, the testimony of God’s work in our lives, can be a life-changing experience. This is the power of the Gospel at work.

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

Peter, James and John are incredibly privileged to have experienced the Transfiguration. It is one of the defining moments of Jesus’ life and ministry where He is affirmed by His Father in heaven. It is difficult to know the extraordinary nature of this experience, as we do not have the background of the Old Testament to fully understand the significance of the presence of Moses and Elijah — the men who symbolize the Law and the Prophetic Traditions.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Matthew 17:1-9

1 Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4 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.” 5 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.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. 9 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.”