All three Synoptic Gospels had accounts of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This event in the Lord’s life foreshadowed His future glory in the resurrection and is a confirmation of the Father’s fidelity to the Son. It is also a very special experience to strengthen and confirm the faith of Peter and his companions in their profession that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”.
At the Transfiguration, too, as at His baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, we hear the Father’s voice: “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to Him” – words of assurance to Jesus to persevere in the task His Father had given to Him.
We pray that, as we celebrate the Lord’s Transfiguration, we, too, may be “transfigured” in various ways as we express our faith in Jesus. May the Father’s words likewise assure us of God’s presence and fidelity, especially in difficult and trying times in our lives. The COVID pandemic and the ongoing unrest in Ukraine could very well be considered challenging in many different ways, and it has tested out faith; made us question and led us to doubt. May the Transfiguration of the Lord be for us, as with the three apostles privileged to be there, a confirmation and strengthening of our faith and hope in the Resurrection.
And just like the apostles invited by Jesus to climb the mountain, we are challenged to leave our comfort zone, our safe place, and descend the mountain to face the toils of daily life. God will give us our moments of consolation, yes, but the real test would come when we have descended from the mountain to face the challenges of our daily existence. Will our perception of God change when we are burdened and overwhelmed with the frustrations in life? Because of our weakness, will we deny Jesus like Peter? Will we be like the apostles and abandon Him because we cannot cope with our fear?
We are privileged this weekend that we will have our candidates and catechumens joining us at Mass as they continue their journey to receive the Easter Sacraments. We pray that they will likewise experience the Transfiguration the apostles did, and hence be transformed by the same experience.
We hope, too, that God will give us the grace to recognize Him, that His love will help us win back our dignity, and that His strength will enable us to continue life’s challenges together with Him.
Sempre grato,
Father Erick
(For the 2nd Sunday of Lent)