HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (4)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II . (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord).

THEME: Strength through the valley!

BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese).

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 6 2022

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36.

All the readings of today talk about the radiance of God’s glory one way or another. In the first reading, as Daniel looks on, thrones are set in place, One of great age takes His seat amidst flames of fire, with robes white as snow and hair pure as wool. Then the Son of man comes and is given an eternal sovereignty over all that is. In the second reading, Peter assures us that this sovereignty of the Son is no fairy tale, for they saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears, when the sublime Glory spoke to the Son saying, ‘this is my Son the beloved, my favour rests on him’. In the gospel reading, Luke gives us a vivid description of how the Transfiguration took place. But why the Transfiguration?

Many of us erroneously think that the Transfiguration was all about God revealing his glory; it was not. God revealed his glory so that the faith of the disciples will be strengthened for the sufferings that will come. The appearance of Moses and Elijah confirmed the seriousness of the events that the laws and the prophets had foretold; that the Christ would suffer, and die, and be raised. The experience wasn’t just about remaining on the mountain top as Peter suggested, it was rather about going down to the valley to face real challenges, to experience life’s suffering and tribulations. For us now, it is about listening to Jesus as we go through life’s valleys, knowing that the mountain top isn’t far off.

Good morning dear. Happy feast of the Transfiguration, and God bless your weekend.