Entrance Antiphon Cf. Mt17:5
In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared. The Father’s voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.
Collect
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you. ..
FIRST READING
“His clothing was as white as snow.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:9-10.13-14)
As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came forth from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgement, and the books were opened. I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm97: 1-2..5-6.9(R.cf.1a.9a)
R/. The Lord is king, the most high above all the earth.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround him;
Justice and right are the foundation of his throne. R.
The mountains melt like wax
Before the face of the Lord,
Before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory. R.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all gods. R.
SECOND READING
“We heard this voice borne from heaven.”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Peter (2 Peter1:16-19)
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 were eye witnesses of his majesty. For when he received honour and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
The word of the Lord.
ALLELUIA Matthew 17:5c
Alleluia. This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“His face shone like the sun.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew17:1b-9)
At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when behold, a bright cloud over shadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
The Transfiguration gives us a fresh opportunity to renew our faith in the lordship of Jesus. Jesus is exalted above all and his dominion will last forever. Today is a day of testimonies. God bears witness to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God to whom we must pledge obedience and worship. Kingship is associated with glory, honour and dominion, and all these are hidden in the humanity of Jesus. Those who recognize Jesus as Lord experience concretely his power in their lives. With all the love that our hearts bear, let us profess that it is good for us to be with Christ our Lord, in thankful acknowledgement of his kindness in admitting us into his presence. Let us boldly confess Jesus as Lord, to the glory of the father.