Matthew The Apostle

Feast Of Transfiguration Of Jesus

MANILA, Philippines — One of the peak moments in the earthly life of Jesus was when He was transfigured before the apostle Peter, James, and John. This event is said to have transpired on Mount Tabor after Jesus’ intense prayer to His Father. (cf. Matthew 17:1-6; Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:28-36).

The evangelist Matthew narrates this event. As Jesus was being transfigured before them, “His face did shine as the sun: and His garments became white as snow.” The radiance of Christ is a manifestation of His divinity and glory as Son of the Father.

Then, Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared on his sides. They began to speak to one another. A voice was heard from above which said: “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” The three disciples, realizing how glorious that event was, asked Jesus to let them build three tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, but Jesus rejected the idea and instead told them not to tell anyone about what had happened.

The Church Fathers believed that the transfiguration of Jesus was not an end in itself but an event that pointed to an even greater glory that would happen in the Resurrection. The glory of the Resurrection was a reward that was given to Him by the Father for faithfully carrying out the Divine Plan of Salvation.

As Christ was transfigured and was glorified by the Father, we, too, are called upon to share in the same glory. This will happen if like Jesus, we will be obedient and faithful followers of the will of God in our lives.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ today, may we be reminded that our destiny is the glory of Jesus, and in baptism, we have been named partakers of His banquet in the kingdom.

Let us cooperate with the plan and will for us in our lives so that at the end of our lives, we will all enjoy the glories of heaven. Jesus has given us an example on how to make the Kingdom of God a priority in our lives. May we, like Him, truly make time for God and make Him center of our lives.

You Can Walk On Water « Saint Matthew the Apostle Parish

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In three of the four Gospels, Jesus comes to his disciples walking on the water. But it is only in today’s Gospel from Matthew that Peter decides to join him. The walking on the water is properly seen as an epiphany miracle. Here, Jesus is revealed as one clothed in the power of God who subdued the waters of chaos at creation and saved Israel through the waters of the Red Sea. What is remarkable about today’s Gospel is that Peter wan

ts to do what Jesus does. Peter is often noted for his brashness, but assuming the attributes of the creating and saving God seems excessive even for him. Even more astounding, Jesus accedes to Peter’s request and invites him to step out of the boat. It is as if Jesus was saying, “Sure Peter, you can be God too!” As bizarre as this interchange might seem, it is not far from Matthew’s point.

Following Jesus is not simply a matter of living his teaching or copying his actions. The very power of Christ is given to us. We share in his divine life. Of course we are not perfect as Christ is, nor do we assume a position in the Godhead. Peter found this out soon enough as he began to sink. Nevertheless, this Gospel story insists that we carry the holiness of Christ within us. Discipleship does not encourage us to cower in the boat. It calls us to step out in faith and do things beyond our imagining. We take that risk, knowing that if we have overstepped our abilities, Christ will be there to catch us.

The Ante-Nicene Fathers: The twelve patriarchs, Excerpts and epistles, The Clementina, Apocrypha, Decretals, Memoirs of Edessa and Syriac documents, Remains of the first ages

Matthew, evangelist and teacher

Commentary on the Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 14-28

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke