Sunday, March 20, 2011

Read It:
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Reflect on it: In today's gospel, we see the story of the transfiguration. Peter, James and John are privy to an awesome experience: The Lord of the Universe is transfigured before them...he's basically glowing and Moses and Elijah appeared to them! This is a huge deal. When a voice (God), comes from the clouds and says, "this is my Son, with whom I am well pleased", they lie prostrate. This prostration shows us what it is to be humbled in front of the Lord. It's a death to self and an acceptance of new life, lead with the Lord. We are called to be prostrate in front of the Lord.

Pray about it: Lord, help me to always be humbled by you and to die to myself in order to live for you. Transfigure my life, Lord Jesus and shine through it. I ask this in your name, Amen.

Live it! Challenge: Do something around your house today that you hate doing, so that you can die to yourself and rise with Christ. (Taking out the garbage, washing dishes, letting your sister or brother pick the TV show.