Daily Gospel Reflection

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August 6, 2023

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Mt 17:1-9
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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.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

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.”

Reflection

Lauriane Guihard ’17, M.A.
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Reading today’s gospel reminds me of how we should not forget to humble ourselves. I sometimes find myself in situations where my ego gets in the way, and I want people to acknowledge my good deeds or achievements. Who hasn’t sought personal glory at work or in their everyday life? Isn’t the rise of social media the very proof of the need we have for social recognition? Who hasn’t wished to be in the spotlight at least once? Jesus did not.

In today’s gospel, Jesus appears in his full glory to his disciples: his face is shining, his clothes turn bright, Moses and Elijah are seen talking with him, and God’s voice is heard, acknowledging him as God’s son. However, Jesus asked his disciples to keep it a secret and not to tell anyone until after his death, for Jesus did not seek personal glory on earth. Everything he did, he did not do it to promote himself but out of love for us all.

Jesus might be acclaimed as a “superstar” now, at least according to the Broadway musical, but he did not aspire to be famous during his lifetime. He lived a humble life among men as a carpenter’s son. He did not use his power for display but to help people and spread the Word of God. Jesus taught us that the only glory we should seek is in the heavens, not on Earth.

Let us keep Jesus’ example in mind and remain humble in the moments when we shine. We might not always receive acknowledgment on earth for our good deeds, but Jesus will acknowledge them when we enter his kingdom.

Prayer

Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

Lord Jesus, you are merciful, compassionate, and fully understand our human weakness. You know our fears, the things that hold us back from trusting you and from becoming fully ourselves. But you won’t let us use those things as an excuse. You always challenge us to grow, and with the challenge comes the grace to meet it. Thank you for caring so much about us. Amen.