Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,9, Luke 9:28-36
“Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33)
Have you ever been to a place where you ask yourself if you are dreaming? A place so different from all that you are used to and you don’t feel like leaving again? This was the experience of Peter, James, and John in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus opened their eyes to behold a tiny glimpse of heaven. Regardless of what anyone may say, heaven is real. Although we may never fully understand what heaven is, today’s feast re-affirms that heaven is beyond a mere figment of imagination.
Having witnessed the Transfiguration, Peter could then write boldly as we read in today’s second reading: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty…we ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.”
When Jesus took three of his closest disciples up to the Mountain and was transfigured before them, he did so to strengthen their faith, to show them that beyond the self-denials, beyond the tears, beyond the blood to be shared, beyond the beatings, persecutions, and agonies of the cross, there was something beautiful, something resplendent, something so precious that was awaiting them at the end of the day.
The thought of heaven should come as a motivation to keep us going in the right direction. We should from time to time go to a quiet place to meditate on it and place ourselves in the presence of God. This exercise would help us in taking our attention from this passing world of pain where nothing lasts, nothing brings true happiness and nothing is real. As Peter says, “You will do well to be attentive to it, as a lamp shining in a dark place…”
When we get there, we too shall say like Peter that “it is wonderful to be here.” There is more to life than what meets the eyes. There is more to existence than what we can verify. If God were to open our eyes like He did with Peter, James, and John or even Daniel as we saw in today’s first reading, we would never for once doubt His existence again. So, let us not get discouraged by suffering, pain, and hardship now. No matter what we have to give up now for Christ’s sake, heaven is worth it.
Let us pray: Almighty and ever-living God, increase my devotion that in the midst of trials and persecution, my faith may remain unshaken. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Transfiguration of the Lord – Feast. Bible Study: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,9, Luke 9:28-36).
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu