Daily Gospel Reflection for August 6, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here!" Mark 9:5

In the midst of a story about something as unexplainably marvelous as the Transfiguration, this simple line touched my heart. It’s a line bubbling over with faith, hope, and gratitude. The Gospel tells us that Peter, James, and John were terrified, but even in their fright, befuddlement, and awe, they knew that it was good. Perhaps they felt the goodness of the moment because Jesus was right there with them.

As I look at the times in my life when I’ve been knocked to my knees with fear or befuddlement, I’m not sure I looked to the Father and proclaimed the goodness of the situation, but I should have! We all love the times in our walk with Christ when we see His magnificent work or feel His loving presence--you know, those warm fuzzy moments when something we’ve fretted and prayed about is transfigured by the hand of the Father and is changed just how we wanted. But I quickly forget that in the midst of my struggle, suffering, and disappointment, He’s there and He’s transfiguring and transforming. And it’s good.

Peter, James, and John used the goodness of this event for the glory of God. They were changed and it brought joy and sorrow to them and those who loved them. They allowed the power of the Transfiguration to flow through them for the benefit of others. All too often, I focus on what God is doing to me rather than what he might want to do through me. I forget to be hopeful and grateful for all the ways He works to change us and draw us closer.

Ponder:

Peter, James, and John were changed by what they saw even though they were terrified and didn’t completely understand the work of the Father in the moment. Are there places in your life that the Father wants to transfigure even if you are fearful of the change?

Pray:

Jesus, help me be ever aware of your presence in both my mountaintop and deep valley seasons. I pray for the strength to know it’s always good to be where I am because You are with me.

Daily Gospel 2