Reality Bites

First Reading: GN 12:1-4A

The LORD said to Abram:  "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you.

"I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you."

Abram went as the LORD directed him.

Responsorial Psalm: PS 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

Second Reading: 2 TM 1:8B-10

Beloved:

Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest  through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Verse Before The Gospel: CF. MT 17:5

From the shining cloud the Father's voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him.

Gospel: MT 17:1-9

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.

"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."

Reflection 
By Grace B. Madrinan

"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."  - Mark 17:4  

I can understand Peter’s excitement.  Imagine seeing all your mentors right before your eyes. He may be awestruck, dumbfounded, overwhelmed by the glorious sight in front of him.  Peter, James, and John had a glimpse of the promised paradise and they wanted to stay there, if possible, forever.

But it is not Jesus’ plan. He was not there to go on vacation and “socialize” with the disciples.  He was sent for a greater mission.

I myself had some shares of transfiguration-like moments while attending the Feast (a non-traditional Catholic prayer meeting of the Light of Jesus community).  I have been an attendee for several years and I was satisfied. I came in weary and I come out of the session renewed. That was the cycle every week until I decided to serve as part of the ministry.

Being part of the ministry was fulfilling. You get to see the behind-the-scenes, how everything is visualized from ground up. You get to see first how God is at work in the lives of our attendees. I knew my routine and it was great…until they assigned me as the ministry head.

And the reality of the service hits me. I was not new to serving in the community since I have been a part of the Parish choir for more than 10 years. Being a servant is one thing, but leading a dynamic ministry is something else. You have to deal with erring members and contain your frustrations over plans that did not come to fruition. Service is hard work, and the struggle is real.

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." – Mark 17:5

Like the disciples in today’s Gospel, I have to be reminded of my purpose, and that is to listen and abide to the very Reason for my service. That I did not just come to the Feast to enjoy the moment and be drowned in the Holy Spirit. I have to put back the passion into an active service. And though the road may not be as rosy as I expected, I hope that the image of Christ on the cross would give me the strength to carry on.

Prayer

Father, we are often drawn to the beauty of worship that we tend to cling to the moment. May we be filled by the Holy Spirit and move into action to serve the purpose You have set before us.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.