August 06, 2016

Lk 9: 28b-36

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

It Is Good

“It is good we are here.” Good? If I was with Jesus who all of a sudden became dazzling white and in conversation with legendary ancient figures, I think I would react with a little more excitement. Good? More like awesome!

I am struck by this modest response. How often we see the disciples not fully understanding Jesus’ greatness. Maybe it’s because they knew him on a mundane everyday level. Do we also take for granted the extraordinary moments of our ordinary lives?

Our friend who meets us with a smile. Our spouse who knows without words the movements of our heart. Our child who runs toward us, arms open, ready to embrace. Today let us be grateful for the simple human encounters that bring us closer to God. Receive someone you see on a regular basis and rejoice in the moment, “It is good we are here.”

—Ryan Mak, S.J., a Jesuit scholastic of the California province, is studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.

Prayer

Life-giving God, in the transfigured glory of Jesus, you strengthen our faith and reveal your great love.
Help us this feast day to listen to the voice of Jesus. May we share his life and message with all we meet.
Praise to you, our God, forever and ever. Amen.                

—The Jesuit prayer team