Such is the response of Peter, James, and John, in the Gospel on this Second Sunday of Lent. They have a response of fright, if not shame, as they behold Jesus in his glory. Falling down to the ground, a voice from the sky recalls for them that Jesus is the favored Son of the living God.
A great mystery is revealed here as the Apostles are given a glimpse into the fullness of the Paschal Mystery. Jesus had been alluding to his suffering and death prior to this moment, and now they behold the glory of Christ. Our participation in the mystery of faith demands that we 'die to our self,' with the promise of resurrection to guide and strengthen us. But there is no glory without the passion.
Our culture today wishes that there was a way to avoid suffering and simply the reward of glory. We have little league teams in which everyone receives a trophy, and some school systems that are doing away with grades. But suffering can make us deep, Moreover it enables us to connect with our humanity in all of its foibles and brokenness.
Relying on God's grace and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ, we can transfigure of Sins and Evil, and encounter a relationship of divine love. But we really do have to move away from fear and learn to nurture and nourish what God has already given us in faith. Looking at folks like Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi, while knowing their own limits, sought the mission of the Kingdom as they endeavored into the unknown. They simply believed in being a presence of Christ.
The sacraments we receive are centered in the Paschal Mystery. They cannot be something 'we get' so as to enhance our degree of holiness. They are a matter of encountering Christ, within the Body of Christ, and unfolding his glory to others. Like the apostles, we are always on that journey up the hill - be it Tabor or Calvary.
No comments:
Post a Comment