Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6, 2022

Readings for the day

Gospel Lk 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflection

Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

It is quite amusing that I have read this reading before, and even heard it read at church, and I do not remember ever hearing that Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, and then becoming fully awake, as if startled by something.

This reminds me of the Garden of Gethsemane, when the disciples were supposed to stay awake with Jesus

while He was praying. We know that they did not stay awake and Jesus said to them, "Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 37-38)

These are the same disciples, Peter, James and John, who would go with Jesus up the mountain to pray. Why did they have such a hard time staying awake? And why is it mentioned in the Gospel readings that the disciples either have a hard time staying awake or are overcome by sleep when Jesus prays.

I have a regular adoration hour at 2:00am one day a week. Some days I do fine, but others I have a hard time fighting off the sleep. Seeing that the disciples even had a hard time staying awake while they were with the Lord Jesus is a little comforting. But, I still do not want to take it for granted that Jesus will understand. My thinking is that I need to make the effort to actually stay awake during that hour. Is that what Jesus meant when he said, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."?

When we go to Adoration, or Mass on Sunday, or daily, the Lord allows for us to receive graces. We do not see these graces or feel them, but without even knowing or being aware, we are given graces. When the disciples became fully awake, was that because Jesus allowed for them to receive graces to do so, so that they would not miss His glory?

As I read the Scripture verse again, "Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him." What did it take for the disciples to become fully awake? Did they just all of a sudden realize that they needed to be in the present? Sometimes I think I just think too much. Maybe I just need to live in the present more so I can be awake.

Today I was thinking while vacuuming the floors, about how it is so wonderful to be able to go to Mass daily and receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Also how Wonderful it is to be able to go to Eucharistic Adoration. But am I missing recognizing Jesus in all the little things that I do and in those I serve on a daily basis? And what exactly is the glory of God? Could the glory of God be revealed to us on a daily basis and we are missing it?

What will it take for us to become fully awake so we do not miss seeing the glory of God?