Gospel Passage: Matthew 17:1-9

After six days 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."

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, may this conversation with you cause in my heart a deep longing to spread your heavenly kingdom in me and in my surroundings. I crave and I long for your presence and power today as I face yet another challenge for your kingdom. I love you Lord because you have loved me first help me to grow in love, a complete donation of myself to you.

1. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

Jesus must have had a specific reason for showing such a consoling sign to these three apostles. Peter was to have the burden of governing the first Christians and this would finally lead him to his own crucifixion. James was to become one of first martyrs and John would one day preach Christ from his exile on the Island of Patmos. Before entrusting them with such responsibility and their own taste of the cross, Jesus invites them to an intimate, lively, and meaningful experience. It is an experience that will give them the courage to remain faithful in the midst of the most difficult trials they will have to face and eventually death.

2. Lord, it is good that we are here.

Confession, Communion, deep silence in the Church, daily gospel reading with reflection, spontaneous visits to Christ present in the Eucharist, virtue conquered for Jesus sake, trying to listen to and obey God... "Lord, it is good that we are here." This experience and closeness to Christ is what makes it possible for us to set aside the other distractions of life, be they MTV, the gossip of friends, fads and fashions... and acquire greater depth and independence, centered on Jesus. What Peter, James and John saw with the eyes of the body, we are called to see with the eyes of faith.

3. Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

It seems to make a lot of sense; this sign had to happen. Jesus gave them the mystical perception of the hidden realities, the lofty consolation so as to firmly commit them to the more arduous and difficult duties of bearing witness to the gospel. Jesus gave this heavenly sign as a preparation for them not to be scandalized by his cross and to embrace the victory through their crosses. Christ awaits me in Heaven, encouraging me onwards in the fight.

Conversation: Jesus, as I soak myself in your heavenly grace during this time of prayer, help me recognize the high value of human suffering. Help me to view the cross with faith and to embrace it with love in the challenges of my daily existence. Lord, help me to endure all the bumps and bruises today may bring and to embrace them patiently out of love for you.

Questionnaire:

1. What helps me most and gives me strength to remain faithful to Christ in the daily difficulties I face?

2. What is there in my life that prevents me from savoring the presence of Christ? What do I place first in my life?

3. What is my normal attitude toward the personal cross that Christ invites me to carry? How do I react when things do not go according to my plans?