8/6/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 9:28B-36

28B Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.
29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.
30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying.
34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

8/6/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 9:28B-36

Jesus brings three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, up a mountain to pray. What begins as a quiet, intimate time quickly transforms into an awe-inspiring encounter. Jesus’ appearance changes, radiating light, and He is joined by Moses and Elijah, two monumental figures in the history of faith. The disciples witness a glimpse of divine glory, a moment beyond human comprehension, revealing who Jesus truly is. It’s a turning point for them, a heavenly interruption that leaves them speechless and in awe.

This mountaintop experience reminds us that there is more to life than what we can see and understand. Often, we go through our days focused on routines, responsibilities, and challenges, and we can forget that the sacred is never far away. But sometimes, when we least expect it, we are given glimpses of the divine, a sunset that takes our breath away, a prayer answered at just the right time, a sense of peace in the middle of chaos. These are not coincidences; they are reminders that God is present and active, even when we’re not fully aware. The disciples on the mountain were not expecting to see heaven touch earth, but it happened because prayer opens the door to the extraordinary.

What makes the story even more powerful is the response of the disciples. Overwhelmed, Peter wants to stay in that moment, to build a place where they can remain in the presence of glory. It’s an understandable desire. Who wouldn’t want to stay where everything feels perfect and holy? But as quickly as the moment comes, it passes. They are left in silence, with only the memory of what they saw and the voice they heard. And then, they must go back down the mountain. This reminds us that while spiritual highs are beautiful and necessary, they are not where we are called to remain. Our purpose is not just to dwell in inspiration but to carry that inspiration into the everyday world.

In our lives, we may have moments that feel like mountaintops, retreats, powerful worship, answered prayers, moments of deep clarity or transformation. But these experiences are not meant to isolate us from reality; they are meant to strengthen us for it. The disciples still had a journey ahead of them, filled with trials, questions, and eventually, a cross. But they would carry that mountaintop memory as a source of courage and hope. In the same way, our sacred encounters are meant to remind us who God is, who we are, and what we are called to do.

So wherever you are right now like on a mountain of joy or in a valley of struggle, know that God is not distant. Seek Him in quiet moments, in prayer, in reflection. And when He reveals His glory, even if only for a moment, hold onto it. Let it shape the way you live, the way you serve, and the way you love. Don’t just wait for the extraordinary. Look for God’s presence in the ordinary. Be willing to climb, to listen, and then to come down ready to walk in the truth you’ve seen. Because real transformation doesn’t happen in escaping life but in returning to it with renewed eyes and a strengthened heart.

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