Saturday 06 th august 2022
The Transfiguration
of the Lord
The Transfiguration of the Lord can sound embarrassingly magical. Why did it happen? Surely so that we could see and understand that Jesus is at once one of the prophets and the one that was announced by them, and that he is God..
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Mt 17: 5
In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared. The Father’s voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.
Collect
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son, confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
Psalm 96:1-2,5-6,9
R/ The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
- The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, let all the coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his raiment; his throne, justice and right.
- The mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory.
- For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits.
Gospel Acclamation : Mt17:5
Alleluia, alleluia! This is my Son, the Beloved: he enjoys my favour. Listen to him. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ – He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.’ And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.
Prayer over the Offerings
Sanctify, O Lord, we pray, these offerings here made to celebrate the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son, and by his radiant splendor cleanse us from the stains of sin. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. 1 Jn 3: 2
When Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Prayer after Communion
May the heavenly nourishment we have received, O Lord, we pray, transform us into the likeness of your Son, whose radiant splendour you willed to make manifest in his glorious Transfiguration. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
The Transfiguration narrative presents a very beautiful but snappy scenario. On top of the mountain stood the transfigured Christ. The appearance of Moses and Elijah who joined Him in conversation literally wowed the ecstatic apostles. The head of the apostolic college, Peter, could not but exclaim in joy at such scenery. But their wish to savour the scene more was cut short by the sudden disappearance of the duo. In our most glorious moments on earth, let us not forget that we do not have a lasting home here. We aim to enjoy the presence of God forever in heaven where there will be a plenitude of joy.