Daniel's stunning vision of the Ancient One (God) and the one like a Son of Man came amidst great persecution. The arrogant voices that blasphemed the divine throne were silenced by the human figure to whom was given all power and glory. This was intended to encourage those suffering persecution: do not fear; God will triumph. The evil powers are flashy but passing. In our dark and chaotic world, we need to remember this. God is in charge; God will win in the end.

The author of Second Peter insists that their faith is not based upon myths but solid experience. He refers to the voice that spoke at baptism and the transfiguration - 'This is My beloved Son!'

Peter,James, andJohn were dazzled by the transfiguration unfolding before their eyes.Jesus was radiant and surrounded by brilliant light. He was talking to Moses and Elijah about His date with destiny in Jerusalem. Peter blurted out that they should build three shrines to commemorate the three divine figures. This is what religions do - anchor an experience of the divine to a particular spot. But Jesus will have none of this - this vision was about mission, and the mission was Jerusalem. To be good followers of Jesus we always have to be spiritually on the move, or we grow stale. The mission is not a solo enterprise but a communal move. The voice from the cloud said, 'Listen to Him' and that is what we should do.