Abraham was called by God to a great destiny - he was to set out into the unknown, to lead his tribe to the land of promise. His people were to be the people of God, through whom humankind would be saved. Thus, Abraham can be considered the first missionary of the Church. Abraham made no excuses, but accepted the call, letting go of the familiar in response to God's call, becoming a landless wanderer trusting only in God and this was the kind of man on whom God could build His Church.

In our Second Reading today, we see two later missionaries at work. Paul reminds Timothy that he is part of God's purpose from all eternity: the renewal of the life of the world, a purpose revealed to humankind through Christ. Therefore, he is to safeguard the message of God's purpose. The spirit of Christ dwelling in him is the source of strength and power for him (and for all Christians), to fulfil his vocation.

This same spirit of Christ is also imparted to the three disciples in the scene of the Transfiguration when they gaze upon the glory of Jesus, flanked by Moses and Elijah. Peter, James and John are the same three disciples who will be present at the agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. This revelation of His glory here is to prepare them for the humiliation there This experience of the Transfiguration is also for the transformation of His followers.