Readings
I - Heb. 11: 1-7
II - Mk. 9: 2-13
BECOME THE BELOVED OF GOD
The transfiguration of Jesus was the manifestation of who Jesus was, the revelation of his identity. Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah taking to Jesus. The former was the Law giver and the latter, a great Prophet and the vision evinced that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophesy, the Promised One of God with the assurance of the Father’s voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved listen to him.” Peter was trying to decide for Jesus convincing him saying, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” But the Father’s voice instead exhorted them to listen to Him. Jesus was the beloved of the Father because Jesus listened to His Father and always obeyed His plan even to the point of emptying himself for the salvation of the humankind. The Father exhorts in disciples each of us his followers as well to obey him.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the first male saint of Indian origin. He was born in Kerala, belonged to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. St. Kuriakose was the co-founder and the first prior general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The main work of their congregation was education that result in the personal and societal transformation. St. Kuriakose was a man of prayer and overcame all hurdles with his devotion to the Eucharist and our Blessed mother. He used to say, “Since you belong to God, you have to give yourself back to God.” Giving back ourselves in obedience to his will is perfect discipleship that would make us the beloved of God. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to listen and obey God’s holy will.”
