August 6, 2021 Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-B THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97
2 Peter 1:16-19
Mark 9:2-10
You will do well to be attentive to it… 2 Peter 1:19
“This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him!” Mk. 9:7
Lord, we all need encouragement at times. When life gets tough and the future looks bleak, hope can be hard to come by. Fear, uncertainty and doubt can overcome us and lead us off course. The disciples had just heard of your upcoming passion and death in Jerusalem. They must have been devastated. They had given up everything to follow you. They had high hopes for the future until they heard of the cross awaiting you. They must have thought what kind of a Messiah dies on a Roman cross? Your transfiguration was a gift to them and to us that you are the Son of God and that following you will involve a cross for us. Discipleship requires sacrifice and turning away from selfishness and ego. The Father made it clear that listening to you is the only way to navigate the road ahead. Where you go I must go. The message is not “fear and obey.” It is a commitment to your word and trust in your grace. Lord, I too am your beloved and am in need of hope and encouragement. May I remember this vision as I walk with you today. Amen.