LENT IS OUR TRANSFIGURATION TIME
(A biblical reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 24 February 2013)
First Reading: Gen 15:5-121,17-18; Psalms: Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14; Second Reading: Phil 3:17-4:1 (Phil 3:20-4:1); Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28-36
Rising abruptly from the cultivated plains of northern Israel is the famed Mount Tabor – Galilee’s most picturesque mountain. This majestic, tree-covered elevation is six miles east of Nazareth. Honored in Jewish history as the site of a decisive victory over the Canaanites, it is hallowed by Christians as the sacred scene of the transfiguration of Jesus.
Atop this 1600 foot mountain, tradition says the three privileged apostles witnessed an astonishing change in the appearance of their Master. Bathed in glorious light, Jesus accepted approval from the Father as His “Beloved Son.” He also received support from two of the most outstanding names in Hebrew history – Moses and Elijah. The Lord’s radiant splendor, previously disguised, here stood revealed.
It was a sneak preview of the Resurrection and was the closest glimpse of heaven that Peter, James and John had ever seen. Mesmerized by all of this, Peter expressed a strong desire to remain. Speaking in behalf of the other two apostles, he offered to pitch tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. He, James and John would be content to sleep in the open, if only they could stay.
Gradually the two Old Testament celebrities faded into the thin mountain air, as did the emphatic request of Peter. Sufficient would be the memory, since it was not God’s plan for the Redeemer and His apostles to settle on the mountain, basking in carefree glory.
“This is My beloved Son,” had been proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism, and now again these words were repeated with the Father’s additional advice, “hear Him.” This even moved Jesus to begin speaking openly of His coming death and Resurrection. He said, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
There’s goodness and glory in all of us – often unseen and unappreciated by others and even by ourselves. God sees more than meets the human eye and it’s His grace that makes us truly beautiful. It’s good to remember that, especially in hard times. Jesus must have recalled Mount Tabor when He climbed His next mount – Calvary. The memory helped Him to know that the Father had not forsaken Him.
Lent is our transfiguration time, to be achieved through reconciliation, the Eucharist, good works and prayers. During this season of reform, we are encouraged to deepen our internal attractiveness. There’s hidden beauty in all, but especially in those souls approved by God. They are gradually being transfigured into everlasting glory.
Note: Taken from Fr. James McKarns, GO TELL EVERYONE, Makati, Philippines: ST. PAUL PUBLICATIONS, 1985, pages 206-207.