19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 11, 2024

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps. 96:1-2.5-6.9; 2 Pt. 1:16-19 and Mk 9:2-10

Theme: That Which Transfigures Our PresencLes

Looking at the chapters and verses for the Sunday readings, one can easily see the common thread that binds them, i.e., God’s divine, majestic, and transformative presence, which transfigures the life of those who believe in Him. God’s overwhelming and awe-inspiring presence manifests in many ways. In the book of Daniel, we see the image of the Ancient of Days, an event which speaks of “a vision of the heavenly throne of God,” where “one like a son of man” (Dn 13) will be enthroned where “all nations, peoples and tongues will serve him” (Dn1 4). Such imagery conveys a profound ‘pre-sense’ of divine power and purity. It highlights God’s role as the ultimate presence of authority whose commands transfigure those who follow or obey Him. The grandeur of God’s presence in the form of a spiritual kingdom will outlast all earthly powers. It is only God’s presence that lasts forever. Such a vision is pivotal to making sense of the nature of God’s divine presence and authority. His “kingly” presence sends an important message to everyone: that which my presence felt; thus, one’s presence is transformed.

Similarly, the book of Psalms echoes this theme of divine majesty or presence. The psalmist calls for all to “sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Ps. 96:1). It underscores the uniqueness of God compared to other ‘idols’ because “the LORD made the heavens” (Ps. 96:5). The call to worship, “splendid in holiness” (Ps. 96:9) connects with the vision in Daniel, reinforcing the view that God’s divine presence is awe-inspiring, transfiguring, and deserving of our highest praises. Such a kind of gesture is seldom given to someone despite the overwhelming power and authority such a person possesses. The reason is simple: such presence lacks the necessary character to transform and transfigure our presence. It is God alone whose presence is utterly transformative because his presence transforms those who encounter him truly.

This leads us to the narratives in the New Testament, where the gospel of Mark particularly points out one of the most revelatory events in the NT, the transfiguration of Jesus, as witnesses like Peter, James, and John were profoundly affected. The presence of, not just the appearance of, Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus brings us to a realization that such an event with the overwhelming presence of figures such as Moses, Elijah, and Jesus echoes the divine affirmation of Jesus’s unique role in salvation history. This moment of revelation not only transforms the disciples but also transfigures them. Their transformation led to figuring out a different kind of presence – a presence full of vitality, trust, confidence, and love for the teachings of Jesus. That is why Peter recounts the transfiguration of Jesus, an event where God’s divine glory and presence were revealed profoundly. Such a recounting of a story highlights the credibility of the apostolic witness whose presence serves as a testament to God’s unquestionable power and love.

Mark’s transfiguration account shows how divine revelation or presence transforms us – our understanding and belief concerning God. The disciples’ experience of witnessing Jesus in His heavenly glory, alongside the confirmation from the voice of God, elevates their perception of Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promises. This transformation challenges the disciples—and, by extension, all believers—to reflect on our understanding of Jesus and His mission.

These passages collectively remind us of the importance of recognizing and responding to the divine presence in our lives. They challenge us to actively engage with His transformative power beyond acknowledging God’s greatness. Through worship, faith, and understanding, we are invited to participate in the divine reality that these texts reveal, finding our place within the grand narrative of God’s eternal kingdom.

For Reflection and Discussion: How can the vision of divine majesty in Daniel and the transfiguration of Jesus in Mark shape our understanding of the role of divine authority/presence in our personal and societal challenges? How might recognizing God’s sovereignty influence how we handle difficulties and make decisions?How can we cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in our everyday routines? What practical steps can we take to align our lives more closely with this call to worship and reflect God’s glory in our actions and attitudes?

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Ben Carlo N. Atim, Philippines, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2022

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