Anyone who
is raised in the Christian faith knows that we’re called to follow the
teachings of Jesus Christ, but being called is something even greater than
simply following.
Consider
Abram. He was called by God to leave
everything he knew, his family, his land, his culture, his entire way of life. Yes, he was still to be a herdsman, but if you
have ever done any traveling, you know that when you go to a foreign land, even
the seemingly normal can be transformed into the unknown. Abram wasn’t given
any instructions beyond, “Go!” and still he went. The rewards he was promised were great [Genesis
12:1-4]. But Abram was no spring chicken—we’re
told he was 75 years old. I still have a
few years before I reach that milestone, and already I find myself deeply
resisting change in my life.
Consider the
Transfiguration of Jesus as told in Matthew’s Gospel [Matthew 17:1-9]. Jesus invited His closest disciples -- Peter,
James, and John -- to witness a mysterious meeting with Moses and Elijah. Their bodies were bathed in light, but not
ordinary light like the sun. There was a
cloud, but it wasn’t an ordinary cloud.
It was bright, yet it cast a shadow over them! Peter, bless his heart, wanted to set up camp!
A voice came from that cloud, but it was
no ordinary voice. The voice told them
to listen. Peter stopped his foolish
babbling and joined James and John, who to their credit, remained speechless.
I am
reminded of what Jesus said in John 14:12: “…whoever believes in me will do
the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these…” Are we called to be transfigured as Jesus was?
Jesus told
the disciples to remain quiet about this vision until after He had been raised
from the dead. These good men could not
have begun to understand this mystery with the information they had now. They would have to wait patiently until they
could eventually connect the dots and see the significance of what they had
experienced. As Paul writes in his
letter to Timothy, our Lord had indeed “destroyed death and brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel.” [2 Timothy 1:8-10]
Through our
life journey, we will encounter mysteries that we do not understand. Some will involve pain, hardship, or
injustice. We may be tempted to reach
conclusions about them, perhaps even complaining or grumbling. But like Peter, James, and John, listening,
trusting, and waiting may prove the better course. Let’s not forget that God is trustworthy and
good. In His good pleasure, the meaning
and purpose behind these mysteries may be revealed to us, perhaps as we gain
wisdom and walk further with God. But in
the meantime, we must be encouraged by remembering that the reality waiting for
us is wondrous, indeed. The juice will
be worth the squeeze, as the old saying goes.
This is the
call of Lent. To be transformed, to
leave behind our old ways, to allow God to transfigure us so we can see
ourselves as His beloved daughters and sons. This Lent it’s my prayer that we be responsive
to, and participate in, the transformative power of God.
My
Transfigured Lord, You spoke Your divine will to the great leaders of old on a
high mountain. You also entrusted Your mission to the disciples on a holy
mountain. Please give me the grace and determination I also need to journey
with You up the mountain of prayer so that I will be entrusted with the mission
You give to me. Jesus, I trust in You.
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