Entering the second week of Lent, hopefully, the awareness of God’s invitation to join him on a another journey of self-awareness and perhaps self-discovery, you come to the presentation of a journey that Jesus invited brothers James and John along with Peter to make with him. He took them with him and "led them up a high mountain by themselves." It was high above the community below that these travelers became witnesses of the Transfiguration. Jesus’ "face shone like the sun and his clothes became what as light." It was a most unusual experience of the three followers. While there it was not just Jesus’ appearance change, it was also the appearance of Moses and Elijah. But, added to these surprises, the voice of God could be heard.
Indeed God uses the annual liturgical celebration of Lent and Easter to let the Christ-event of God becoming man to further live itself out in your life and my life. I believe that God is showing all creation from the time of this event even until now how he always invites us to grow in the depth of our experiencing the love of God. No doubt Peter, James and John experienced something of God’s love for them in a way they would never forget. So strong was the experience that they fell to the ground when God’s voice was heard. Lest the fear become destructive, Jesus leans down and touches the men and tells them "Rise and do not be afraid."
During our Lenten journey, Jesus is extending to us the opportunity to to experience who he is and how he wishes nothing more than to shower us with his love. Just as for the apostles, the reality of the Transfiguration is a summons: Lent calls us to a deeper acceptance of Jesus and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a follower, a dedicated apostle.
I suspect all of you who hear these words or read them are proud to be called a Catholic. You have obviously accepted an invitation to be present this evening to worship our God. So often it is an invitation to join another’s vision. It is that vision that might ultimately lead you to the mission of Jesus.
As you walk through the week ahead, try to keep in mind that Lent is a special opportunity to know Jesus and ourselves better. The Transfiguration was an invitation to intimacy. So is Lent if we take the time to allow our hearts to be opened to God’s presence, to his call.
Some a frightened by calls such as the one that God offers us in Lent. But, like the apostles who had heard God’s voice on their journey, their fright was eased by Jesus’ words: "Rise, and do not be afraid." This is the same message to you and me during the days of Lent when we are trying to give time to prayer, to fasting and almsgiving. Don’t fear because Jesus is there to help us maintain the proper road for our journey.
Some a frightened by calls such as the one that God offers us in Lent. But, like the apostles who had heard God’s voice on their journey, their fright was eased by Jesus’ words: "Rise, and do not be afraid." This is the same message to you and me during the days of Lent when we are trying to give time to prayer, to fasting and almsgiving. Don’t fear because Jesus is there to help us maintain the proper road for our journey.
