Second Sunday of Lent (Mt. 17:1-9) “Can I Shine Like Jesus?”
Second Sunday of Lent (Mt. 17:1-9) “Can I Shine Like Jesus?”
Transfiguration is a word we associate with the life of Jesus. We remember how he went to the mountain with Peter, James and John. When they were on the mountain, all of them had an otherworldly experience. Jesus had just talked to his disciples about the doctrine of the cross. He was going to have to undergo a humiliating death to fulfill his mission in the world. And each apostle was going to have suffer the same humiliation. We can imagine that the apostles were unsure what to make of this somber news.
At that point, Jesus took them to the mountain. We are unsure what mountain it was. But often in the Scriptures God appears to people on mountains. Moses and Elijah are seen beside Jesus. Several reasons are given for why these two Biblical figures appear at this time with Jesus. One thought is that they represented the two types of scripture. The Jews believed the holy books consisted of the law and the prophets. Moses received the law from God. Elijah was one of the great prophets. Now a third scripture was by written by Jesus. Another reason that is given for these two men’s appearance with Jesus was that the death of both was mysterious. Elijah went to heaven in a fiery chariot. He never really died. Moses was left in the wilderness when Israel entered the promised land.
But there is a third meaning behind Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus on the mountain which was that both had mountain top experiences in life. Moses went to Mt. Sinai to meet with God. He is one of the only people ever to talk to God face to face. The Jews believed that no one could look upon the face of God and live. But Moses lived. We are told that Moses’s face began to shine when he saw God. His face was so bright no one could look at him. He reflected the divinity of the Lord. Elijah went to a mountain at Horeb. He had a direct encounter with God as well. We remember the story. An earthquake happened. Fire consumed the mountain. A powerful wind blew over the mountain. None of these things were of God. But then there was a small whispering sound. Elijah felt God in this. When he did, he turned into the most courageous of prophets from this point forward.
The Gospel of Matthew says that on the mountain Jesus’ whole body shone like the sun. He became like Moses. The apostles had to hide their faces. Like Elijah, they were overwhelmed by what they saw. But the Apostles were not transformed at that moment. The three of them were heartened, but we know how they ran away in Jesus’ hour of need. Peter, James and John were not ready to give up their worldly ambitions. Over time they did have their own experiences of Transfiguration. Jesus wasn’t necessarily saying to these three apostles “Look at who I am.” No, he was saying, “Look at who you can be.”
But there are three things that had to happen for those apostles to be transformed. Three spaces had to open. The first was their opinionated heads. All of them thought they knew who Jesus should be. Perhaps they felt like they were too smart to be fooled by the Gospel message. Intellectual pride got in the way. Only when Jesus died and rose to glory did they open their minds.
The second thing they needed to do is open their closed down hearts. When the three allowed their hearts to lead them they were willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus. Two of the three men who went to the mountain died as martyrs.
The third thing they needed to do was to trust in the community they were a part of. No one lives a truly Christian life alone. The apostles had to learn to stop competing with each other. Only when they leaned on each other and on other believers did their Christianity make sense. Christian transformation won’t happen in an instant, but it can happen over time.
Lent is a time for renewal. Lent is a time of conversion. We are to let go of old habits. We are to seek healing. The best thing we might say today if we are feeling spiritually spent is that we are ready to try and change our minds, open our hearts, and let virtuous people into our personal space. Moses’ face glowed. Elijah became courageous. Jesus’ whole body shone. What might happen to us if we but climbed the mount of transfiguration?
Reflection Questions:
Can I be transfigured like Jesus? How can that happen?
Do I trust God and others? How might I learn to do that?
Dear Parishioners,
I was recently informed by the Catholic Order of Foresters that they were going to disband the court that they have in our parish. This has been an important organization in our parish for years. Unfortunately, there is an aging membership and not much interest among the young. No one has to tell us that most fraternal organizations are struggling. Every charitable club from the Lions club to the Elks club is experiencing the same decline. This is a sad trend, but it seems like this is the trend.
The Foresters were active in our parish for decades and they sponsored many events. Also, they raised a lot of funds for our parish. Their history is an impressive one. Generations of men and women belonged to the Foresters.
I thank Tom DeLille, Jr for his leadership. He tried his best to try and keep this organization alive. Unfortunately, most of the courts in our area are disbanding, but individuals can still belong and the insurance company is still functioning. My first life insurance policy was a Forester policy and the organization provided insurance for many.
Whenever there is death there is going to be resurrection. That is what our faith tells us. We will pray that somehow fraternal organizations will rise again. These groups are what has always bound communities together.
May our Lady Pray for all the men and women who have been Foresters throughout the years.
Fr. Mark
P.S. Remember that next Saturday at our 4 p.m. Mass Bishop Tylka will be with us to bless the new Gathering Center. I encourage everyone to come and join in the festivities. Many generous people have helped make this day happen.