Transfiguration

 Today's Gospel is the Transfiguration.

Jesus, Peter, James and John go up the mountain. 

Jesus is transfigured.

His clothes and face become dazzling white.

Elijah and Moses are there also.

God's voice testifies that Jesus is His Chosen Son.

Peter said to Jesus,

"It is good that we are here." Matthew 17:4

This phrase stood out to me today.

In a world filled with so much suffering, I do not think to pray, 

"Lord, it is good that we are here."  

Instead I often think of the Lord of the Rings quote,

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. 

It is very human to wish our troubles away. 

The apostles were human, too. 

John was the only apostle who stood with Jesus at the foot of the Cross. 

However, it was still good that Peter, James and John were with him on the mountain.

He invites us to the mountain as well. 

The LOTR quote continues,

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."  

It is good that we are here. 

We are here for a purpose. 

We may not know our purpose some days but still our purpose remains.

Transfigure our hearts, Lord!

Yes, it is good that we are here.

Artist: Carl Bloch (1834-1890)