2nd Sunday of Lent: February 17, 2008

In the first reading (Gen. 12;1-4a), God demands a radical change from Abraham. He is called by God to leave behind all that he was familiar with and go on a pilgrimage of faith and hope to a Promised Land that will not be given to him but to the new people to be born from him.In the second reading (2Tim. 1:8b-10) St. Paul calls us to accept and spread the Gospel of Jesus. That also includes suffering for it. And if we suffer with Jesus, we shall live with him in glory.

The Gospel (Mt.17:1-9) today gives us a brief glimpse of the glory that awaits Jesus which will be ours as well. It will be a source of strength as he travels the road of suffering and death to resurrection. In time, Jesus’ transfiguration will strengthen the faith and hope of his disciples and those of us on the road of our own transformation in Christ.

Reflection

A peak experience is a moment where we are brought to an extreme emotional high. It moves our whole being into extraordinary depths of a joyous moment and hope-filled expectation. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a peak experience. While on Mt. Tabor, the three disciples, Peter, James and John , saw how the appearance of Jesus was transformed into a bright, dazzling light. Jesus gave them a glimpse of what life could be like and what life will be like in eternal glory.

Jesus knew they would need such “peak experience” to strengthen their faith so that when they see the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, they will look beyond his death toward his resurrection. Hey, too will endure suffering for Jesus see beyond it to the glory waiting for them.

When we have experienced our own pain or hurt, failure or brokenness, loss or death, we can survive because our faith assures us they will all be transformed. The promise of the glory that is to come will not remove the troubles and difficulties, but it will keep us believing and trying in spite of them. It gives us added strength when we think there is none left, renews our hope when were ready to give up.

Response

Even if you are experiencing sadness or difficulties in your life right now, look around you to determine if there is anything beautiful that lifts your heart to God. If not, do something definite this week to add a touch of glory, a peak experience, no matter how little it may be.