Reading
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
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."
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."
Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
This feast of the Transfiguration affords us all an opportunity to reflect upon our great opportunity to inherit a place in Heaven.
The Prophet Daniel gives us some vocabulary to talk about the great gift of eternal life. For he talks about the throne for the Ancient One and His clothing with its great beauty. His descriptive imagery causes us to long to see it for ourselves.
The Gospel too shows us the great majesty of Christ, our great High Priest, who is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and revealed as the Son of God.
All of this should inspire each one of us to strive for Eternal Life by cooperating with God's grace in our lives. Yes, the work towards eternal life is hard, sometimes very taxing, but this work is so necessary in order to attain this great gift. However, our work alone does not get us to heaven. Only God's forgiveness, mercy, and salvation -- together with our good efforts -- bring us to this eternal dwelling place.
Today, inspired by the Transfiguration, let us be strengthened in our resolve in cultivating our spiritual life, seeking forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance, and increasing our works of charity, so that we too may gain access to this great gift of eternal life.
As always, know of my prayers before Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
