John Desing csc –
Readings: Heb 11:1-7; Mk 9:2-13
Faith leads us to see God. The first Reading defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith plays a vital role in our relationship with God. The first Reading presents some of the biblical characters, who pleased God and received rewards because of their faith in him, the Creator. Without faith it is impossible to please God. It is through faith we encounter God and see him. When we have faith and realize his blessings, we will bless the Lord forever like the psalmist.
The Gospel passage depicts the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter, James, and John were fortunate to see Jesus ablaze in white, yet they were terrified to see Jesus in his transfiguration. They saw and heard God speaking about Christ. “This is my beloved son, Listen to him”. The apostles lived with Jesus yet doubted many times and were unable to see who really Jesus is. Let us ask ourselves do I have faith in God? How strong is my faith? Am I aware that faith can heal, protect, preserve, and lead me to see and experience God?
Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation Holy Cross, says that the life of faith consists of two things: forming our judgments in conformity to the principles of the Gospel and directing our actions according to its practical counsels. When our actions, words, and deeds are based on the Gospel values, that will increase our faith to encounter God in our daily life. Today, as we reflect on the theme faith that leads us to see God, let us pray for the grace that God may help us to increase our faith in him and we may become acceptable before his eyes just as Abel, Enoch, and Noah who were found righteous before God.