Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer

Reflection

• God speaks from the cloud at the Transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Those last three words were given to his disciples as a command then, and they are given to us as well, for we too are his disciples. Are we listening to Jesus today? Are we making the effort to listen for Jesus’ voice during this holy season? Whether we look inside ourselves or out into the world, we can see plenty of things that could be done, plenty of things that we should do, plenty of things that Jesus is asking us to do.

• Just before this scene, Jesus had told his disciples that he will be persecuted by the authorities and put to death. Peter had immediately rebuked him, to which Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! . . . You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23). Significantly, Peter is one of the three who now hear God say about Jesus, “Listen to him.” It’s almost as if God is saying: My Son is telling you the truth. You better listen! You need to understand this!

• After confronting Peter’s rebuke, Jesus speaks to the other disciples, telling them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny [themselves], take up [their] cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). God affirms this statement in commanding Peter, James, and John to listen to Jesus. This command is addressed to us as well. If we are to come after Jesus, if we are to be raised to eternal life with him, we must deny our own desires, take up our crosses, and follow him.

Question of the Week