Prophesy and Witness

(The following is a homily given at St. Francis Xavier Church, Enid OK on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, 8/6/15)

Reading 1 Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Reading 2 2 Pt 1:16-19
Gospel Mk 9:2-10

Today’s Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord is a testimony to the power of witness.  Our readings today are prophetic readings: First Daniel, who foresees the coming of the “Son of Man” in splendor and power (see first reading).  Then the second letter of St. Peter, who here not only prophesies the coming of the Lord, but is a witness to His Life, Death and Resurrection.  He witnessed this particular marvel – the Transfiguration – and he came away with a truth he could not understand until Jesus fulfilled his purpose here on Earth, which was to die and rise for us.

Prophesy and witness must be based upon the reality of God  – not on any “devised myth” (II Pet. 1:16) that may propel our own agendas.  They must be grounded in a relationship with our God – not on personal gain or even personal interpretation.

Prophesy and witness are meant to be shared.  The benefits of hearing the truth will wither and decay in the darkness of personal greed – they require the light of generosity and evangelization.

We are called to be prophetic.  We are called to be witnesses to the Truth we have come to embrace in our Christian Faith.  It is the truth that we are no longer slaves to darkness, but follow Christ, who is “as to a lamp shining in a dark place,”(II Pet. 1:19) igniting our hearts with the fire of His love. 

May we be transfigured ourselves by his loving flame.  May we allow our God to consume our sins, transform our hearts, and prepare us for glory.  May our own transfiguration echo the transfiguration of our Lord, and so work to prophesy and give witness to our Savior and our God, Who lives and reigns forever and ever.