Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 17:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. Verse 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Verse 4Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Verse 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" Verse 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. Verse 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." Verse 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. Verse 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Devotion
“Get up and do not be afraid.”
Boundless courage and energy come our way when we sense God’s presence. Then, suddenly, the sensation disappears and rapturous faith turns into hard work. Today we may achieve success in our family or work, or maybe it will be “one of those days.” Maybe our life’s work will produce visible fruit, or maybe it won’t. Saint Ansgar went to Denmark to do missionary work in A. D. 826 but did not encounter success, even though he was doing the Lord’s work. He tried again a few years later, turning his attention to Sweden. Despite his hard work, the growth of Christianity in Scandinavia ended with his death, and for 200 years nothing more came of it.
There are bound to be disappointments in the hard work of faithful living. Jesus Christ encourages you get on with your life and says, “Do not be afraid.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your encouragement to me in my life and work. I pray that you will use me to be an agent of your love through my vocation. Amen.