Mary’s sorrow is witnessed in both Gospel options today: Luke’s passage speaks of the “sword of sorrow”, and John’s text reveals Mary’s agony before the Cross of her Son.
John 3:16 is perhaps the most well known verse in the Bible, revealing the magnitude of God’s love poured out for us through the death of Jesus on the Cross.
Mary’s Magnificat gives glory to God for the marvelous things that the Lord has done. Her song of praise becomes our own as we follow her example and offer our lives for her son, Jesus Christ.
On this feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, we recognize the Paschal Mystery of Jesus as the model for our generous and cheerful sacrifices that we offer to God.
The Transfiguration of the Lord brings both consolation and challenge to our hearts. We are consoled by the glory of God revealed on the mountaintop, yet we are challenged to prepare for the moment when we will stand before the Risen Lord on the day of judgment.
Let’s examine some of the key themes in the Mass readings for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
1st Reading – Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
The Ancient One is seated upon a throne, ablaze in awesome majesty and dazzling glory.
The Son of man approaches the Ancient One and receives dominion, glory, and kingship over all peoples.
Psalm – 97:1-2,5-6,9
“The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.”
Heaven and all creation acknowledge God’s might and glory.
2nd Reading – 2nd Peter 1:16-19
Jesus Christ has received all honor and glory from God the Father.
Peter and the other disciples witnessed this on the mountain and made it known to others.
Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus brings Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he is transfigured in glory with Moses and Elijah.
A voice from heaven announces, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
The disciples fall to the ground afraid until Jesus bids them to rise. They are instructed not to tell anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.
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On this feast of St. James, the Apostle, we discover that we hold the treasure of our Christian faith in the “earthen vessel” of our human limitations. As we acknowledge our sins and embrace God’s grace, we offer our lives as a worthy sacrifice that draws us closer to the Lord and one another.
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