+ Just as last Sunday we could conclude that the temptations of Jesus in the desert were not a necessity for him, but rather they were endured for us – so that we would know how to handle temptation to power, prestige and pleasure when they come our way – so today the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was not done for Jesus simply "to show off his glory" – it was done to prepare the apostles for the scandal of the Cross, to give them something to remember when all the things he told them finally did come to pass, to be the Light in the Darkness of Good Friday! It also occurred for our instruction, as a sign of our own hope in one day sharing in the glory of the resurrection that would be offered to us free of charge – he will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body – the only requirement being faith in the one who is now Transfigured in Radiant Glory – and a life evidencing the fact that love – the kind of love that he demonstrated - matters!
In the first reading today, we hear one of the most breathtaking narratives in Scripture: "The Lord God took Abram outside and said, Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so shall your descendants be. Abram put his faith in the Lord who credited it to him as an act of righteousness." Magnificent narration! Astounding reality! FAITH IS BORN! And the "family of faith" that began with Abram now Abraham continues to today – to us – and to all who bear the name of Christian. Yes, his descendants were very many indeed!
Our responsorial psalm today reflects a related theme: The Lord is my light and my salvation! It is difficult for us to understand just how dark the world was spiritually, emotionally and psychologically before "the dawn of a new day" shed it first rays on Christmas Morning some 2000 years ago. We may sometimes think it is dark now, but this was really nothing compared to what was then. It was a hopeless darkness because there was no way that man of his own accord, could penetrate or remove it! It is the Lord who is the true Light of Lights, and our Salvation! He came to us to save us because he loves us and wants to light our path, to show us the way to get to spend an eternity with him in his Father's kingdom! We are so blessed and so loved and so protected!
As we begin a new week of Lent, let us enter into it wholeheartedly – focusing our lives by the bright light of the Father's presence in a cloud, and Jesus himself in radiant glory illuminating our every move – let us listen to Jesus as he speaks to our hearts: have faith, have hope, have charity to all: for I have overcome the world!
God bless you!
No comments:
Post a Comment