The Second Sunday of Lent grasps our attention on the power of transformation - the story of the calling of Abraham and the account of Jesus’ transfiguration at the top of the very high mountain. The lessons we learn in these scenes are important not only for us to live Lent well, but for us to enter a journey that will allow God to reveal the amazing opportunities that are within each one of us to become the best version of ourselves.
Abraham shows us very clearly what that journey is in the reality of what real faith is, the type of faith to which God calls each of us and wants to renew in us each Lent. Abraham trusted in God and departed his comfortable, familiar surroundings, not knowing where his destination would be. That was only the beginning of the times God challenged Abraham to trust in Him. God gave him a promise, one that would have sounded unreal,
“I will make of you a great nation.” So, during Lent, the Lord calls us to have faith similar to Abraham’s. While we might not have as dramatic experiences as Abraham, God calls us on a journey to leave everything that constitutes obstacles to place our trust in Him completely.
The second attention getter comes from today’s Gospel of the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James and John on a journey up the High Mountain, not for sightseeing, nor for exercise, but to pray, to listen and to experience His glory upon His Transfiguration in the presence of His Father. Interestingly, as I share this message I am in the Holy Land with a group of pilgrims and we celebrated Mass on this very site. It is an impressive place from many aspects. First, it is a long journey from Nazareth to the top of the Mountain of Transfiguration. It took them a few days to reach their destination. It was a time of profound intimacy and conversation between the Lord and His 3 disciples. Second, it is no wonder why Peter made a point to stay there. It is a breathtaking sight from the top of the mountain. When you add the spiritual experience of transfiguration, it was probably as amazing as anyone can even imagine. But in truth are lives are hardly ever like this. That is why the meaning of a journey, the power of transfiguration, and the invitation to listen to the voice of Jesus whose words are “spirit and truth” are so significant in our call to be His disciples.
Lent is that time when we are invited to go on a journey with Jesus, to have our own mountain top experience of faith and allow the grace of this holy season to transform us – transfigure us - before Him and others.
The transforming work that leads to Easter, however, it is indeed a journey and not an overnight experience. In a particular way, I want to address the journey of faith of these our brothers and sisters in faith who are in their final preparation to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Just last week at our parish we celebrated the Rite of Sending, when I commissioned you to go to our bishop who in turn called you “elects” in the process-journey of your faith. The journey may not be an easy one, but one that brings fulfillment into your heart as you listen to the voice of God to joyfully "bear your share of hardship for the gospel." Your assurance of this comes from today’s celebration, when you are reminded of God’s tremendous love for each one of you when He said: “You are my beloved son, daughter in whom is all my delight.”
Though we may walk a difficult path, we are accompanied by God's presence, as well as the reassurance that we are God's beloved, we are commissioned "not according to our works but according to God's own design."
As I mentioned, I am in the Holy Land as I share this message with you. I pray that many of you benefit from the great opportunities to experience this Lent in more spiritually meaningful ways. I hope that you signed up for the
Best Lent Ever program and/or joined one of the Lenten small groups in the parish.