August 6, The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Lord is king, the Most High overall the earth.--Psalm 97:1 and 9

Mass readings: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 / 2 Peter 1:16-19 / Matthew 17:1-9

Peter Saw it Happen

Today's Gospel notes that the sight of the transfigured Lord terrified the disciples who were there; ''they fell prostrate, and were very much afraid.''

One of the three, Peter, later wrote about this experience in his Second Letter. It's used for today's second reading. For him, the transfiguration proved Jesus' claim to be God's son. ''We do not follow cleverly devised myths'' when we tell you these things, the apostle said. ''We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.'' Today the Church reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on solid fact. These things really happened. Our fathers in faith witnessed them.

Prayer: I pray, Lord, that I will faithfully pass on what You have given me.