Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them,“Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
444 The Gospels report that at two solemn moments, the Baptism and the Transfiguration of Christ, the voice of the Father designates Jesus his “beloved Son.” Jesus calls himself the “only Son of God,” and by this title affirms his eternal preexistence. He asks for faith in “the name of the only Son of God.” In the centurion’s exclamation before the crucified Christ, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” that Christian confession is already heard. Only in the Paschal mystery can the believer give the title “Son of God” its full meaning.
568 Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent onto the “high mountain” prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what his Body contains and radiates in the sacraments: “the hope of glory”.
459 The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the Father commands: “Listen to him!” Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love implies an effective offering of oneself, after his example.
From “The Great Crusade of Love” Testimony of Catalina Rivas (CL 62:1-5)
1) As a continuation of My work of salvation, I chose two creatures to represent the past that is projected into the future. I did it at the Tabor through Moses and Elijah. Moses represented the old Judaism; Elijah the future Judaism, the one I will redeem with Me making use of him and with Me in the middle, amid the splendor, like a bridge of unity between the Old and the New Testament.
2) My Father wanted three of My disciples to be present at My Transfiguration, Peter among them. And He wanted it so that they would be My witnesses and not forget that before the shame, the splendor was manifested in Me. Thus I left the remembrance of majesty to My own, but so that it would serve as confirmation of My Divine work of salvation.
3) Nobody prevented Me from giving My manifestation to the people or other wiser and well deserved persons. But I wanted to limit Myself to only three among Mine, because before anything else, I had to accomplish My mission in the greatest possible secrecy… It was necessary to proceed step by step and adapt My work to the wise design that the Father wanted to slowly carry out among men.
4) Peter’s expressions are the same ones that today are repeated by men, drawn but weak. Can you not understand what it is I wish to tell you? You must take everything from Me, light and darkness; you must not choose because you do not know what I need.
5) Let this show you that your teacher worries a lot about you and that He does not abandon you, even though it might seem so… Without doubt, the road that I propose to you is difficult, but it is possible to walk it with Me. And so, Tabor or Calvary, but always with Me in faith, in trust, and in certainty.
Each week we will be presenting a portion of the following Sunday’s readings, and linking it to relevant parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and messages from the Testimony of Catalina. Pay special attention to the italicized underlined sections. We hope this is inspiring and educational. Any comments you have are certainly welcomed.
Tim Francis prepared this educational program to help you increase your faith and love for the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother. His website is http://YouShallBelieve.com
I have known Tim for many years and recommend his work highly. He is a strong advocate for the “The Real Body and Blood Of Jesus” and the numerous miracles that occur on a daily basis. Both of us are greatly inspired by the amazing writings of Catalina Rivas. Catalina is one of the few individuals in history who personally experienced the “Stigmata Of Jesus Christ.”