Francis Abat

March 16, 2014 - THE 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT (THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST) The Gospel of today gives us the beautiful story of Transfiguration. Matthew tells us that Jesus took with him his three beloved disciples Peter, James and John to a high Mountain, apart and in their presence he was transfigured. When he was transfigured before them, his face shone like the Sun and his garments became white as snow. Jesus was transfigured into a shining figure, full of Heavenly glory. Transfiguration means change in form or appearance or metamorphosis, like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Among his 12 disciples, only Peter, James, and John were privileged to witness it. Unfortunately, on this occasion, St. Peter who had professed his faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and upon whom Christ declared He would build His Church—completely misunderstands what’s really taking place in this Transfiguration. Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here (at the top of the mountain) ; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Moses the greatest law giver and Elijah the greatest prophet of Israel come to the side of Jesus and talk to him about his passion and death. For Jesus this was a special moment. He was now close to Jerusalem and hence close to his passion and death by crucifixion. This was the important moment when he had to strengthen his disciples particularly the ones who had been chosen to be close to him during his ministry. Jesus wanted his sonship to be revealed to them with the voice of the Father telling them that Jesus is his Beloved Son in whom he is well pleased and they ought to listen to him. On that Mountain, Jesus revealed before mortal eyes the Transcendent Truth of who He is - and who Peter, James and John - and each one of us - will become in Him. The Transfiguration helps to explain the very meaning and purpose of life! It also reminds us that the way of the cross leads to resurrection and eternal life and that the purpose of Lent is to help us better to enter into those mysteries. There are many ways of transfiguration in which we can be closer to God. One, when we received the Holy Communion, the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. Each Holy Mass should be our source of Heavenly strength against our own temptations and a source of renewal of our lives during Lent. In Baptism, for example, transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us the temples of the Holy Spirit. By the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the path of holiness. By receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in faith we are spiritually, and if God wills physically, healed and our sins are forgiven. In moments of doubt and during feelings of despair, when we pray the expectation of our transformation in heaven helps us to reach out to God and listen to His consoling words: “This is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased.”