Mar 12 - 2nd Sunday of Lent

+ Today we have the great narration of the transfiguration of Jesus, in the gospel passage!  This has a triple importance for us to consider today. Peter, James and John – those closest to Jesus – were given the privilege of witnessing this magnificent display of glory – for three reasons:

·       Jesus wanted to remove from their hearts the upcoming scandal of his being crucified and dying on a cross (Jesus was supposed to be a great leader and savior for the Jewish people – to see him die on a cross would appear counterproductive – even though Jesus has made it clear many times that his kingdom is not an earthly one.) But, now after seeing the glorification of Christ on the mountain, “the humility of a Passion willingly accepted by Jesus” would no longer trouble their faith!

·       Jesus wanted to give them a real “peek behind the veil” into his divinity that was very much always with him (and which could have been invoked innumerable times when he was frustrated, angry or suffering but wasn’t.) He was and wanted to be just like all other men (except for sin) – so to call them and recognize them as “brothers worth saving!”

·       Looking down the centuries, Jesus wanted to strengthen our faith – that would be transmitted to us by the preaching and teaching of Peter, James and John and all the others to our own day and age – so that we could deeply ponder and consider our own sharing in not only Christ’s Passion, but also death and Resurrection – and subsequent glorification of ourselves when we will rise from the dead, as Jesus did, on the Last Day!

The only ticket price to pay for this reward is: FAITH and GOOD WORKS! FAITH IN JESUS, and GOOD WORKS THAT PROVE WE LOVE HIM, HIS FATHER, AND ALL THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT ARE ON THIS PILGRIMAGE TO A HEAVENLY HOMELAND WITH US: all being members of the One Faith: the faith of Abraham whom we read about in our first reading today! He was the first to believe that God is One, and that He is loving and faithful to his promises of Mercy and Redemption!

May we respond to the call of faith enthusiastically: and lead a holy life, bearing hardship for the sake of the gospel – but always hoping, even against hope, i.e. as we watch the vincible and deliberate dismantling and disintegration of our - to this point – sacred institution of a three-tiered model of democracy and right governing in Washington, DC -  that all will be well, and all will end well – because Jesus, our goal, our redeemer, our King and rightful potentate of all potentates -  will lead us to all fulfillment!

But, in this day of this day – we are the arms, legs, minds and voices of his Mystical Body – so doesn’t this mean it’s up to stand up and sound the alarm! Collection baskets aside – let us all rise up and live our faith – bishops, priests, deacons, the entire faithful flock! The transfiguration event was staged for us too: JESUS IS OUR GOD, he is in charge, no situation is beyond his help because of his dramatic death and glorious resurrection: and our incorporation, by means of our baptism, into his divine life! Amen.