Daily Gospel Reflection for August 6, 2017 - Feast of the Transfiguration

Today's Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 - Feast of the Transfiguration

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

How many of us have experienced a “transfiguration” moment in our journey with God? Perhaps we’ve heard the voice of the Father calling us beloved, experienced the glorious presence of God in our midst, or encountered the strengthening presence of the communion of saints?

These moments of consolation, in which we experience an acute awareness of God’s presence—His glory unveiled!—leave us proclaiming with the disciples: "It is good that we are here."

And when the Cross comes, as Jesus promises it will directly before and after the Transfiguration narrative, it is then that the memorial of our gloried experiences of God with us can carry us through to resurrection.

I remember well the morning after the death of my husband, Bernie. I was exhausted, bedraggled, and grief-stricken after spending 87 days in the I.C.U. with my dying husband. I awakened at 5:00 A.M. to a dream about Bernie, and when I spoke his name out loud I found myself in the presence of such heavenly consolation that I was filled with exquisite, unspeakable joy. Joy that was inexplicable outside of heaven’s kiss — gloried grace that carried me on its consoling wings for months after his death, transfiguring his death into a moment of light.

In moments of personal crucifixion, we must beg for the grace to remember what God has done for us, remember the times we’ve heard Him speak ever so tenderly, remember when we’ve fallen on our faces in sheer awe in the midst of His presence and power. Recalling “transfiguration” moments can sustain us when Calvary comes, so there too, at the foot of the Cross, we may exclaim unhesitatingly: "It is good that we are here."

[Tweet "Recalling “transfiguration” moments can sustain us when Calvary comes. By @jklein60"]

Ponder:

Can I remember a specific time or times when I experienced God’s presence and glory in a particularly acute way? Can I draw upon those experiences to carry me through when the Cross comes?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help me to remember when Your glory has been unveiled in my life; the times I have been convinced beyond a doubt in Your power and presence. Help me to draw upon those memories of Your faithfulness when I need consolation and reassurance. Amen.