Times of revelation are moments that change us for the better - Daily Bible Readings August 6,2014

1ST READING   Fire, light, various visions, clouds and so on are images that traditionally indicate an epiphany. The Transfiguration is precisely that — an epiphany or manifestation of the Lordship of Jesus. Peter, James and John are in a privileged place to see this revelation. It will stay with them for the rest of their lives as a moment when their conviction as to the identity of Jesus was affirmed in a new way.   Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 9 As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw one like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, 14 the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations and languages serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.   P S A L M   Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 R: The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth. 1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 9 Because you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. (R)   2ND READING   Peter says it well in words that could have been: “We have witnessed these things with our own eyes and we are utterly convinced that what we proclaim is the truth.” The same is true for each of us. We have all seen, at one time or another, the power of God at work in our own lives or in the lives of others. This should strengthen our conviction that the Gospel is the way of truth and give us the courage to proclaim it wherever we go.   2 Peter 1:16-19 16 Beloved: We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.   GOSPEL   The appearance of Moses and Elijah could well have been the most amazing aspect of this experience for the disciples. Here are the two major figures of the Old Testament, the Jewish faith, and they see them with their own eyes. There is no way that they will forget this moment. Like all times of revelation, we should remember them for what they are – moments that change us for the better, moments that mark turning points in our lives.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION   This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.   Matthew 17:1-9 1 Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4 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.” 5 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.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. 9 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.”   think:  Times of revelation are moments that change us for the better.   T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: __________________   ____________________________________   God’s special verse/thought for me today_ _____________________________________   READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Maccabees 13-14