Transfiguration of Jesus

 Jesus took Peter, James, and John 
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. 
And He was transfigured before them, 
and His clothes became dazzling white, 
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
MARK 9:2-3


This event is known as the Transfiguration of Jesus. This event is significant as it reveals Jesus’ divine nature and His fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The divine nature of Jesus Christ is a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. This concept is also referred to as the Hypostatic Union. In John 1:1–18, it is taught that Jesus possesses every attribute that God possesses in His divine nature. This includes attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, self-existence, and eternity. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled the Law in a way that no other could. He became the perfect sacrificial lamb, taking upon himself the world’s sins and offering redemption to all who believe in him. Jesus expounded on the deeper significance of the Law, showing us that it is not just a set of instructions, but a reflection of God’s heart and a guide for righteous living.

2 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. 7 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. (Mark 9:2-10)

Upon a high mountain, apart and alone, Jesus led Peter, James, and John to the unknown. Transfigured before them, His clothes dazzling white, brighter than any earthly light. Elijah and Moses appeared in sight, conversing with Jesus, radiant and bright. Peter exclaimed, "Rabbi, it's good we are here, let's make three tents, for the vision is clear." Terrified they were, knowing not what to say, as a cloud cast a shadow, turning day into gray. From the cloud came a voice, firm and clear, "This is my beloved Son. Listen and hear." Suddenly, they saw no one but Jesus, their guide, alone with them, standing by their side. Coming down from the mountain, a charge He gave to speak not of this until He rose from the grave. So they kept the matter, pondering the event,
 questioning what 'rising from the dead' meant.

Dear Lord Jesus, in the presence of Peter, James, and John, You were transfigured on the mountain, Your face shone like the sun. Your clothes became dazzling white, brighter than any bleach, Elijah and Moses appeared, with You they did beseech. Peter exclaimed, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here!" but in their hearts, they held great fear. A cloud cast a shadow, and from it a  voice did say, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him, do not stray." Suddenly, they saw no one but You alone, Your divine glory to them was shown. As they descended the mountain, You made a decree to tell no one until the Son of Man is free. So we pray, O Lord, for the faith to understand the mysteries of Your kingdom, the wonders of Your hand. Help us to listen to You, to follow Your command and to trust in Your promise, in Your love so grand. In Your most holy name, we pray, Amen.


This chapter is often referred to as “The Testing of Abraham” or "Abraham’s Faith Tested". In this story, God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham, distraught but obedient, prepares to carry out God’s command. However, just as he is about to sacrifice Isaac, an angel of the Lord intervenes. The angel confirms that this was a test of Abraham’s devotion to God, and because Abraham did not withhold his son, he has passed the test. Abraham then sees a ram caught in a thicket and sacrifices it instead of his son. The angel of the Lord calls to Abraham a second time, promising that because of his obedience, Abraham will be blessed abundantly. His descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore, and all nations on earth will find blessing in his descendants. This story is a significant event in the Bible, demonstrating Abraham’s faith and obedience to God.

1 God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. 2 Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.” 9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. 10 Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the Lord’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. 12 “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” 13 As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son. 15 Again the Lord’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven 16 and said: “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, 17 I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, 18 and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing—all this because you obeyed my command.” (Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18)

In the land of Moriah, under the sky so wide, God put Abraham to the test, a trial of his faith inside. "Take your son, your only one, Isaac, whom you adore and offer him as a holocaust, on a height of yore." With a heavy heart, Abraham complied, built an altar, arranged the wood, his tears he couldn't hide. He reached out, took the knife, his resolve was firm but then a voice from heaven confirmed his term. "Abraham, Abraham!" called the Lord's messenger from above, "Do not lay your hand on the boy, let him live, let him love. I know now your devotion to God, it's clear as the dawn since you did not withhold your son, your beloved fawn." Abraham looked around, a ram caught in the thicket he found, he offered it up as a holocaust, the relief was profound. Again the messenger called, a promise divine, "Because of your act, your descendants will shine. As countless as the stars, as the sands of the seashore, they shall possess the gates of their enemies, forevermore. In your descendants, all nations shall find a blessing, all this because you obeyed my command, no second-guessing."

Dear Lord, You tested Abraham, our father in faith, called him by name, and he replied, "Here I am." You asked of him a sacrifice, a test of love and trust, and he obeyed, not understanding, but knowing he must. You pointed him to Moriah, a land so vast and wide, asked him to offer Isaac, his son, his joy, his pride. He built an altar, arranged the wood, took the knife in his hand, prepared to do as You commanded, Your wish, Your command. But then, Your messenger called from heaven, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he replied, "Here I am," his voice a gentle lamb. "Do not lay your hand on the boy," the messenger did implore, "I know now your devotion to God, it's clear, it's pure, it's raw." Abraham looked about, a ram caught in the thicket, he offered it up as a holocaust, a symbol, a ticket. Again, Your messenger called, a promise divine, "Because of your act, your descendants will shine. Countless as the stars, as the sands of the seashore, they shall possess the gates of their enemies, forevermore. In your descendants, all nations shall find a blessing, all this because you obeyed my command, no second-guessing." So we pray, Lord, for faith like Abraham, strong and true, to trust in Your plan, in all that we do. Help us to remember, in trials and in rest that You are our God, and Your plans are the best. Amen.


This Psalm is a song of thanksgiving, expressing trust in God and gratitude for His deliverance. In this Psalm, the psalmist declares their belief and trust in God, even when they are greatly afflicted. They acknowledge that they are God’s servant and express their gratitude for being freed from their bonds. They promise to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and to fulfill their vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord. This Psalm is a beautiful expression of faith, trust, and gratitude towards God, and it continues to inspire many people today.

10 I believed, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” 15 Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16 O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. 17 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. 18 My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. (Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19)

I believed, even in my deepest strife when I declared, "I am greatly afflicted." Yet in the eyes of the Lord, the end of life of His faithful ones is precious depicted. "O Lord, I am Your servant," I say, the child of Your handmaid, in Your sight. You have loosed my bonds, cleared my way in Your mercy, in Your might. To You, I offer my thanks, my praise, I call upon Your holy name in the midst of trials, of daunting days, Your love remains the same. My vows to You, O Lord, I will fulfill, in the presence of all, in Your sacred hill. In the courts of Your house, under Your sky, in Your midst, O Jerusalem, where my heart lies.

Dear Lord, I believed, even when I was greatly afflicted, Your love and mercy, never restricted. Precious in Your eyes, the death of Your faithful ones, in Your eternal kingdom, where the river of life runs. O Lord, I am Your servant, born of Your handmaid, You have loosed my bonds, brought me out of the shade. To You, I offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, in Your grace and mercy, I am living. I will call upon Your name, in joy and in sorrow for You are my yesterday, today, and tomorrow. My vows to You, O Lord, I will pay, in the presence of all Your people, come what may. In the courts of Your house, under Your heavenly dome, in Your midst, O Jerusalem, our eternal home. I pray this in Your holy name, so bright, guide us, protect us, with Your holy light. Amen.


This passage is part of a section often referred to as "More Than Conquerors". In this passage, the Apostle Paul is expressing the idea that if God is for us, no one can stand against us. He emphasizes the depth of God’s love, stating that God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all. He assures that God, who justifies us, is the one who acquits us, and no one has the power to condemn us. He further states that it is Christ Jesus, who died and was raised, is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. This passage is a powerful affirmation of God’s love and the security of believers in Christ.

31 Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. 34 Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died—rather, was raised—who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. (Romans 8:31-34)

If God is for us, who can stand against His love and power make every defense. He did not spare His Son, but gave Him for all, in His sacrifice, we stand tall. Who can bring a charge against God's chosen ones when it is God who acquits us, under the suns? Who dares to condemn, who dares to accuse when it is Christ who intercedes, who could refuse? He was handed over, a sacrifice so pure, in His resurrection, our hope is secure. At the right hand of God, He takes His place, interceding for us, with grace upon grace. So let us remember, in trials and in rest, if God is for us, we are truly blessed.

Dear Heavenly Father, if You are for us, who can be against us? You did not spare Your own Son, but handed Him over for us all. In Your infinite love and mercy, You provide for us and with You by our side, we stand tall. Who dares to bring a charge against Your chosen ones? It is You, O Lord, who acquits us, in the light of Your Son. Who dares to condemn, when it is Christ Jesus who intercedes, He who died, was raised, and sits at Your right hand, indeed. We thank You for Your love, Your sacrifice so grand for the promise of Your presence, in this journey unplanned. Help us to trust in You, to follow Your command and to live our lives according to Your plan. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.


Pericope:

III: The Mystery begins to be Revealed
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS / THE COMING OF ELIJAH
Mark 9:2-8 / 9-13

II. The Patriarch Abraham
THE TESTING OF ABRAHAM
Genesis 22:1-24

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO SAVES FROM DEATH
Psalm 116:1-19

IV: Justification and the Christian Life
GOD'S INDOMITABLE LOVE IN CHRIST
Romans 8:28-39

Do Homage to the Child Jesus

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? 
We saw his star at its rising 
and have come to do Him homage.”
MATTHEW 2:2


The child Jesus comes as a ruler who is to shepherd God's people. He is the light of the world annd the hope of the nations. He is born in a humble manger but He is the King of kings, the fulfillment of the prophecy and the promise of salvation. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, a gentle teacher who guides them in the truth.

Do homage to the child Jesus who is the Son of God and man. He is the Word made flesh and the Lamb who takes away our sin. He is the Prince of peace and joy, the gift of God's love and the treasure of our hearts. He is the Savior of the world and us, the way, the truth, and the life and the door to eternal bliss.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Jesus your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. He is the star of Bethlehem and the dawn of a new day. He is the radiance of God's face and the splendor of His grace. He is the brightness of our joy and the source of our faith. Raise your eyes and look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. He is the mediator and advocate of our souls, the high priest and king, the shepherd and friend, our redeemer and healer of our lives.

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord. (Isaiah 60:1-6)

Jesus governs with justice, the lives of the poor He saves. He is the defender of the oppressed and the liberator of the enslaved. He is the provider of the needy and the comforter of the grieved. He is the ruler of the righteous and the judge of the wicked. Offer gifts and serve Jesus who is the treasure of all wisdom, the pearl of great price and the hidden manna of heaven. He is the honor of all glory, the crown of life, an the name above every name. 

O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. (Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13)

We are all copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel of His grace, the heirs of His inheritance and the members of His body. We are the witnesses of His miracles and the workers of His harvest. We are the peacemakers of His kingdom and the reconcilers of His love. Let us receive the stewardship of God's grace that was given to us for the benefit of others. We are the stewards of His mysteries and the servants of His gifts. We are the channels of His blessings and the dispensers of His favor. We are the partners of His mission and the agents of His change.

You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6)

Lord Jesus, You are my King who rules the world with justice. You are the sovereign Lord of all and the righteous Judge of all. I humbly offer myself to serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I surrender my will to Your will and follow Your commands and plans. I praise You for Your grace and mercy and worship You for Your love and glory now and forever. Amen.




Pericope:

I: The Infancy Narrative
THE VISIT OF THE MAGI
Matthew 2:1-12

III. Return of the First Captives
GLORY OF THE NEW ZION
Isaiah 60:1-22

Second Book of Psalms 42-72
A PRAYER FOR THE KING
Psalm 72:1-20

III: World Mission of the Church
COMMISSION TO PREACH GOD'S PLAN
Ephesians 1-13


Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat

You are My beloved Son

 And a voice came from the heavens, 
“You are my beloved Son; 
with You I am well pleased.”
MARK 1:11


Jesus is the beloved Son of God. He came to earth to show us love, healed the sick and raised the dead, fed the hungry with bread. He taught us to forgive and pray, showed us the truth and the way. He died for us on the cross and paid the price for our loss. He rose again on the third day, conquered death and sin, ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us. He is our Savior and our Lord who loves us more than we can know. He invites us to follow Him and grow.

With Jesus, God is well pleased. He is the perfect Lamb of God, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets who came to obey the Father's will. He is the light of the world who revealed the glory of God and manifested the grace of God. He is the King of kings having all authority and power and reigns forever and ever.

Jesus baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. He gives you a new birth and a new life. He fills you with power and gifts and enables you to serve and witness. He cleanses you from sin and guilt, sanctifies you and makes you holy and transforms you and makes you like Him. He comforts you and guides you, teaches you and reminds you. He leads you and directs you because His most Holy Spirit resides in you.

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:7-11)

God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He is the source of all life, and the only way to God. He is the Word of God, and the image of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the Lord of all. He is the gift of God, and the expression of God's love. He is the Lamb of God, and the sacrifice for our sins, the risen Lord, and the giver of hope. Jesus is the vine of life, and the sustainer of our faith, the bread of life, and the nourisher of our souls, the living water, and the quencher of our thirst.

Believe in Jesus, He is the Savior, the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is the Messiah and the Lord, the Christ and the King. He is the way, the truth and the life, the door and the shepherd, the gate and the vine. In Jesus, you are a victor of the world. He has overcome the world and its troubles, defeated the enemy and his schemes, triumphed over death and the grave. He has given you the victory and the crown, shared with you his authority and his glory and made you more than a conqueror.

Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and Blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth. So there are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the Blood, and the three are of one accord. If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater.Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:5-13)

Glorify the Lord, He is worthy of praise. He is the creator and the ruler of all, the holy and the righteous one, the majestic and the awesome one. Glorify the Lord, He is gracious and merciful. He is the redeemer and the healer of all, the faithful and the loving one, the compassionate and the forgiving one. Glorify the Lord, He is powerful and mighty. He is the deliverer and the protector of all, the sovereign and the victorious one, the wonderful and the marvelous one.

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. (147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20)

Lord Jesus, I receive Your Most Holy Spirit. I open my heart and my life to You, surrendering to Your will and Your plan as I desire to know You and love You more. Thank You so much for Your grace and Your mercy, Your salvation and Your healing. I humbly ask You to fill me with Your power and Your gifts. I seek You to guide me with Your wisdom and Your truth. I follow You to serve You with Your love and Your joy and worship You for Your glory and Your majesty. Amen.




Pericope:

I: The Preparation for the Public Ministry of Jesus
THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Mark 1:7-11

III: Love for One Another
FAITH IS VICTORY OVER THE WORLD / PRAYER FOR SINNERS
1 John 5:1-12 / 13-21

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
GOD'S WORD RESTORES JERUSALEM
Psalm 147:1-20


Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat

Mediator of a New Covenant

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

Founded the Earth upon the Seas

The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers (Psalm 24:1-2).

Dominion over All Things

May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! (Psalm 72:8)

The Lord who Created the Heavens and Formed the Earth

That men may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe, I am the LORD, who do all these things.

"Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also; I the LORD have created it. For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): "I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.

"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: `To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.' "Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed, all who were incensed against him. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory."

-- Isaiah 45: 6 - 8, 18, 21 - 25