SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG AUGUST 5TH, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10;13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97:1-2;5-6;9 (R.cf. 1a.9a)
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 17:5
Gospel: Matthew 17:1b-9

Chiedozie Mbaeri

MY REFLECTION

The Transfiguration of Jesus

The first reading speaks of a nocturnal vision in which God manifests himself in history.

The Gospel brings forward and shows us Jesus, who transfigures himself in front of us. In our time, he allows us to take part in this transfiguration each time we encounter him at the Eucharistic celebration.

Tomorrow also marks a remembrance of the atomic bomb that dramatically disfigured Hiroshima in the violence of war.

Jesus transfigured himself because he wants the world to transfigure also.

Friendship with Jesus, and letting ourselves be loved by him, transfigures us, and makes us capable of transfiguring others as well.

Jesus’ face transfigures while he was praying, which also signifies the strength and effect of prayer.

May the Lord keep the world free from war and violence that is fast disfiguring humanity, Amen.

Rosemary Ibazebo

MY REFLECTION

You will do well to pay attention to this, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

No wonder the Psalmist proclaims in Psalms 119:105- 'Your word, O Lord, is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path'.

However, in all sincerity, how often do we pay attention to the Word of God, which we encounter every day in one way or the other?

The readings in the church for the past few weeks have been talking about the kingdom of God and the condition of our hearts in their receptivity of the Word. Have we made any adjustments or changes? Do we look up to the Word of God when we are encountering life's difficulties and trials? 

We all know that having a source of light in darkness usually brings relief, as we are better guided on our way. So also, we are encouraged today to look up to God's word as our light and the guide in every moment of our lives.

Glory to Jesus!

Dennis Ukange

MY REFLECTION

The Supremacy, exultation and dominion of our Lord Jesus Christ were revealed to the Prophet Daniel in the first reading. While both the Psalmist and St. Peter in the second reading, are confirming the revelation of the Prophet Daniel as he (Peter) and the other two disciples witnessed on the mountain, the transfiguration of our Lord.

The transfiguration gives us a fresh opportunity to renew our faith in the Lordship of Jesus. Jesus is exalted over all, and his dominion will last forever. Today is a day of testimonies. Jesus is the Son of God to whom we must pledge obedience and worship.

Kingship is associated with glory, honour and dominion, and all these exist hidden in the humanity of Jesus. Those who recognize Jesus as Lord experience concretely his power in their lives. With all the love that our hearts bear, let us profess that it is good for us to be with Christ our Lord, in thankful acknowledgement of his kindness in admitting us into his presence. Let us boldly confess Jesus as Lord, to the glory of the Father.

Remember, when we acknowledge his power and dominion over every of our problems, he will surely come to renew our hopes by solving all our problems. As we reflect on his word today, may God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit be with us now and forevermore, Amen.

Phyllis Joseph Nweke

MY REFLECTION

 

The prophesies of the prophets are being fulfilled and the eyewitnesses are testifying to what they saw and heard. It is now clear the Messiah is now revealed, "this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5)

How would you feel if these words were said to you or about you- "This is my beloved..., with whom I am well pleased"?

Jesus revealed himself to his Apostles and in extension to us too, as we read in the Gospel.

Have you been paying attention to Jesus' teaching? Who is Jesus to you? Who truly are you? A follower or a foe? Do you see the light? Can these words be said to you on the last day "This is my beloved..."?

May the Holy Spirit guide us, Amen!

Chika Nwaozuzu

MY REFLECTION

My Reflection is a question that requires individual answers...

"This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, listen to him", God says of Jesus.

Before this declaration, Moses and Elijah were seen with Jesus discussing his mission on earth, Jesus prioritized the will of God over his own will, even unto death on the cross and as a result, God the Father made that declaration. 

My question is, how many of us at OCCF can God boldly declare "This is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased, listen to him/her"?

How many times have we prioritized God's will over our own will?

Peter, James and John experienced the beatific vision of Christ's transfiguration because they too, prioritized the mission of Christ over their own mission.

We too can share in the same beatific vision when we place above everything else, the mission and will of God for us and only then, can God declare "This is my son/daughter, in whom I am well pleased, listen to him/her."

May God grant us the grace to always allow his will to supersede our own will. So that, our lives will be a shining light for others, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Precious Nwanya

MY REFLECTION

About two years ago or so, I understood what Peter must have felt; why He wanted to stay on that mountain.

I go to the Chapel, and think, "Why do I have to go back and face the world? Why can I not remain in there with Jesus, enveloped in His peace and love?"

I consider those of this faith as very "lucky," if I may use the word. Because what Jesus did for his disciples, He does for us every single time.

Remember, Peter had recently professed faith in Jesus' divinity, and then, went on to say, "God forbid, that you will suffer" To which Jesus referred to him as "Satan."

Fr. Utazi mentioned in his reflection about a "key moment, life-changing moment, defining moment", in our faith or experience of God, just as the Transfiguration was, for the disciples.

Jesus gave them proof that they did not need to depend on their instincts or their feelings about who He is and His sovereignty.

So many times, like Peter, even after getting the revelation of Christ's divinity and power in our lives, at the slightest disappointment, we begin to doubt and say "God forbid."

Jesus in the Eucharist is the "sign" for our time. Jesus in the Eucharist is the "transfiguration" for this age. 

In the Eucharist we see His glory. In the ordinary species, like He hid in ordinary human flesh, He continues to reveal His glory to us. 

Christ has given us more than a good feeling. When we go to Mass, we too climb up that mountain and as we pray, we see Jesus revealed in His glory. After each experience, He expects us to go out and live out His life in the world with courage. Knowing that no matter what we may have to face, there is a tangible proof of His Word and promises.