Hebrews 11:1-7
Psalm 145: 2-5, 10-11
Mark 9:2-13
First off, I love this reading from Hebrews. This is one of the first readings that when I really started reading the Bible (at a Bible study, freshman year at BC, when the only Bible I had to really read from was a study Bible for class), I was able to remember.
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things unseen.
A perfect definition of faith. We will realize what we have hoped for. We must hope for heaven! And not only just hope - we must confidently hope for eternal life in heaven! Aside from beautiful hope, faith is also evidence of things unseen. We often cannot see the mysterious, Godly, things that go on around us. That being said, we cannot doubt that they are happening - for we see their fruits. I spend hours each week trying to plant seeds of faith in middle school and high school aged youth. I often cannot see the faith that is taking root in their hearts, but I cannot doubt that it is. (Which reminds me of Archbishop Oscar Romero's great prayer - "Prophets of a Future Not Our Own.)
Next - the Gospel reading. The Transfiguration. Let it be said, I never really understood the point of this. Yes, Jesus shines in blinding white. Yes, it proves His divinity. Clearly He is holy, glorious, almighty, and just amazing. But I already knew that, right?
When I went to mass on Saturday morning (at St. John's in Canton, MA - who's pastor does a WONDERFUL job of explaining the readings and their significance), I finally understood at least a little more. This event comes (2 days) after the Gospel when Jesus asks, "Who do people say that I am?" and Peter responds correctly, "You are the Christ." But, then when Jesus explains what must happen to him, Peter says that he will never let that happen. Jesus responds, "Get behind me, Satan." The disciples STILL didn't understand who He was. Yes, he was the Christ and would save His people, but they didn't fully understand from what.
To try and make them understand, he reveals His true divinity. He is transfigured. He reveals His glory. Hopefully now they will understand and believe when He is resurrected.
How often do we see Jesus' glory and not recognize it? Let us SEE and BELIEVE. When we see the glory of Christ in our daily lives - in our ministries, in our families, through our friends - we have so many opportunities to see Christ moving and working in our lives. How often do we see, recognize how amazing it is, and then go on unchanged.
Lord, give us eyes of faith. Help us to see Your glory.
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