In the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to see Him with Moses and Elijah as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. His face shone like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. We read this Gospel during Lent because it reminds us that the fasting and repenting of Lent are meant to lead us to the glory of the Lord at Easter. On this mountain, Jesus was temporarily transformed into His glorious presence. Then, the apostles heard God’s booming voice telling them, “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him.”
Just as God spoke to the apostles on the mountain, He speaks to us here today. His words clearly instruct both the apostles and us to listen to Jesus. If we really listen, we will be transformed by His words and by His presence. After being transformed, we invite Jesus to be with us in our hearts. Just as the disciples were accompanied by Jesus when they returned to their daily lives, so Jesus also accompanies us when we receive Him in the Eucharist. Then, as we leave church and “come down the mountain,” He accompanies us as we face the harsh reality of the world around us.
Although the apostles were walking with Jesus every day, they may have grown too comfortable with His presence, maybe even taken Him for granted. Perhaps, they were too comfortable seeing and hearing Him teach or, more likely, they were not really listening to His message. The Transfiguration strengthened their faith so that they would be better able to endure the confusion and grief they were about to experience at the crucifixion.
The Transfiguration wakes up the apostles and reminds them that it is an amazing privilege to accompany Jesus each day. Like the apostles, we know that Jesus is always in our midst. Yet, many of us also take His presence for granted. Like the apostles, maybe we need to see God’s glory or to hear God’s booming voice to remind us of who Jesus is and what he has done for us so that we wake up and listen to Jesus. If we truly appreciate this great gift, we will leave each Mass amazed, energized, and transformed by our experience.
Fr. Mike
コメント