First Reading (Daniel 7:9-10,13-14)
Reading of the Prophecy of Daniel.
I kept looking until thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his place. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool. His throne was like flames of fire, and its wheels were like burning fire. A river of fire flowed out before him, and thousands upon thousands ministered to him, and myriads upon myriads stood before him. The judgment was set up, and the books were opened. I kept looking in the vision of the night, and behold, with the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man came and was brought before the Ancient of Days. And he was given power, glory, and a kingdom, and all peoples, nations, and languages served him. His power is an everlasting power that will not be taken away, and his kingdom a kingdom that will not be destroyed.
– The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.
Gospel (Mark 9:2-10)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, O Lord.
At that time, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any fuller on earth could bleach them. Elijah and Moses appeared to him, talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter did not know what to say, for they were all so afraid. Then a cloud came down and overshadowed them. And a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to what he says!” And suddenly, looking around, they saw no one else, except Jesus alone with them. As they came down from the mountain, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed this order, but they talked among themselves about what “rising from the dead” meant.
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are blessed with readings that elevate us and lead us to contemplate the majesty and glory of God. The passages from Daniel and Mark invite us to look beyond our immediate reality and to perceive the grandeur of the divine plan. Let us, then, delve into these Scriptures with an open heart and an attentive mind, seeking to understand the depth of the revelations that are offered to us.
In the first reading, from the book of Daniel, we are transported to a heavenly vision: “I watched until thrones were placed and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair on his head was like wool. His throne was like flaming fire, with wheels of blazing fire” (Daniel 7:9). This vision presents God to us as the Ancient of Days, a figure of eternal wisdom and immense power. The scene is filled with powerful images—white clothing, shining hair, a throne of fire.
Every detail highlights God’s purity, holiness, and authority. The vision continues with the coming of the Son of Man: “I watched in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven, One like a Son of Man was coming. He came to the Ancient of Days and was led before him. And power, glory, and royalty were given to him; and all peoples, nations, and languages served him.” (Daniel 7:13-14). Here, Daniel reveals to us the figure of the Son of Man, a prefiguration of Christ, who receives all power, glory and royalty from the Father. This is an image of hope and the promise of redemption. The Son of Man comes to establish an eternal kingdom, a kingdom of justice and peace, where all nations will serve him.
This theme of glory and revelation continues in the Gospel of Mark, where we read about the Transfiguration of Jesus: “Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any fuller on earth could bleach them” (Mark 9:2-3). In this extraordinary moment, Jesus reveals to his disciples a glimpse of his true divine nature. His transfiguration is a prelude to the glory that will be fully revealed in his resurrection.
Peter, James, and John, the disciples chosen to witness this event, are astonished and amazed. Peter, in his impulsiveness, suggests making three tents—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But while he was still speaking, a cloud covered them and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to what he says!” (Mark 9:7). This is a moment of divine confirmation. God the Father declares the identity of Jesus and the authority of his words. It is a call to all of us to listen to and obey Jesus, the beloved Son.
The transfiguration is not just an isolated event in the life of Jesus; it is a revelation of who he is and what he came to accomplish. It is a moment of hope, especially when we remember that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, where he will face crucifixion. The glory revealed on Mount Tabor is a reminder that the cross is not the end, but the way to resurrection and ultimate victory over sin and death.
How do these passages apply to our lives today? First, they call us to a broader and deeper vision of our faith. We are invited to look beyond the concerns and challenges of everyday life and to contemplate the majesty and glory of God. We are called to recognize the sovereignty of Christ, who rules with justice and everlasting love. Daniel’s vision reminds us that God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic and disordered. The Son of Man, who has been given all power and glory, is with us and guides us.
We can trust in him, knowing that his kingdom is eternal and his love is unfailing. The transfiguration challenges us to listen to and follow Jesus faithfully. God the Father tells us, “Listen to what he says!” This means that we are to pay attention to Jesus’ words, his instructions, and his commands. We are to allow his message to transform our lives and lead us to greater holiness. To illustrate, think of a flashlight in a dark tunnel. In the midst of darkness, the light of the flashlight guides us, shows us the way, and gives us security. Jesus is that light in our lives. In times of difficulty, doubt, or fear, the light of Christ guides us and gives us hope. Just as the transfiguration brought light and revelation to Peter, James, and John, the presence of Jesus in our lives brings clarity, direction, and peace.
These readings also call us to action. How can we be witnesses to God’s glory in the world? How can we reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives? One practical way is to live with integrity and compassion, treating others with justice and love. We can be a presence of hope to those who are hurting, a voice of encouragement to the discouraged, and an example of faith to those who seek God.
In our relationships, we are called to reflect the grace and mercy we have received from Christ. Let us be patient, forgive one another, and seek reconciliation. As a community of faith, we can work together to promote justice and peace, serving those in need and defending the oppressed.
Let us now take a moment of silence, asking God to help us apply these lessons in our lives. May the Holy Spirit enlighten and strengthen us to live according to God’s will.
Lord, we thank You for today’s revelations. Help us to recognize Your glory in our lives, to listen to and obey Your beloved Son, and to be a light in the world. May we live faithfully, reflecting Your love and righteousness in all that we do. Amen.
As we leave here today, may we take with us the hope and assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us. May we live as true followers of Christ, reflecting His light and glory in our daily lives. Remember, we are called to be witnesses to the majesty of God – let us shine with the light of Christ and be a presence of hope and love in the world. Amen.
