'Rise, And Do Not Be Afraid'

Today's Gospel is rich in meaning and imagery. Jesus is transfigured before three of the apostles. Scared when the voice of the Father calls them to listen to Jesus, they fall humbly to the ground, afraid to look toward the sky. Jesus, in His always gentle manner, touches them and says, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And that phrase He says to us. Don't be discouraged, don't be fearful, don't be worried. Jesus spiritually touches us when we pray, and His call to action is the same: "Rise, and do not be afraid." Root your trust and prayer intentions in Him.


Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him."
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid."
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
"Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."