“MASTER, IT IS WELL THAT WE ARE HERE” (Mark 9:5)

⏰FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD – YEAR B (06 August 2018)

📖Dan 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 (R.v.1a, 9a); Mark 9:2b-10

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Among many reasons for the celebration, it served to encourage the disciples and strengthen their faith in view of the impending passion of Jesus. The most important encouragement comes from the fact that God is always with them in his Son, Jesus.

The apocalyptic prophecy of Daniel made that point very obvious (cf. Daniel 7:9-14). The title of Ancient of Days who is ageless and unaffected by time. The title of the son of man, which can be given to all human, is taken up by one who is vested with glory and authority as he went to be presented to the Ancient of Days.

Beyond that, the cosmic upheavals that we observed in that pericope are signs of the presence and glory of God. That glory was also witnessed by the disciples at the actual transfiguration. When Peter beheld that glory, he didn’t want to stop; he wished it would continue forever, hence his declaration, “It is well that we are here; let us make three booths…” (Mark 9:5).

Moreover, the different persons and things that made up the drama of the transfiguration point to the end time. The prophet Malachi prophesied this meeting in that view (Mal 3:22-23). The dazzling white reflects the glory of the end time (cf. Rev 7:13).

The event took place on a high mountain, indicating a place of personal encounter with God (cf. Exod 3:1; 24:12; Isa 19:8; Luke 6:12). But the devil also tempted Jesus from a mountain (Matt 4:8). The difference is on the voice that is heard. The Father spoke and gave us the instruction to LISTEN to Jesus.

Peter obviously heeded that instruction from the Father for us to listen to Jesus. That is why he was able to preach with conviction and without fear, the truth of the Gospel (cf. Acts 2:14ff; 1 Pet 1:16-19).

Are we ready to remain with Jesus and listen to him? If we remain with him, he will encourage us and strengthen our faith as he always did the apostles (see Matt 14:27-32); he will prepare a place for us to spend the end time without pains (see John 14:1-4); he will lead us with him to encounter God in his holy place (see John 14:6-7).

May God give us the grace to remain focused on Jesus even in the midst of suffering so as to win the glory that is to be revealed at the end of time. And may the cloud of God’s glory overshadow us in all we do in this new working week and beyond. Amen.

Have a fulfilled week in the presence of the Lord. Peace be with you.