The Glory of God as Man
Lent's second Sunday
Dear Saints,
Sunday's Gospel reading recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus. Having led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves, Jesus is transformed before them; his face shines "like the sun," and his clothes become "white as light." The Apostles are bedazzled.
Jesus' Transfiguration is more than mere spectacle. The scene serves as the turning point of the Gospel narrative. The path Jesus now walks, confirmed by the witness of the Law and the Prophets, will lead to his enthronement as King of the Jews.
If you can stand the irony of what I just said, you might enjoy an interpretation (from the early Church, I'm told) of these events: the Transfiguration reveals the glory of man, while the crucifixion reveals the glory of God.
That's a challenge to understand, but I think it's good fodder for fruitful meditation. The main points that I like to consider are these:
Jesus' radiating, through his every pore, God's glorious light shows just what we're able to achieve as human beings. We were made, in ways we can only now glimpse, to embody and radiate God's light, life, and love!
The crucifixion demonstrates just how self-effacing Love really is. God is gift all the way through, all the way to the end. Jesus' crucifixion is God's crowning moment!
Toward the end of the Transfiguration scene, Peter suggests (somewhat comically) that they remain on top of the world. He's missed the point: Jesus must leave the mountain to blaze a valley trail.
Jesus shows forth the glory of God as man by embodying the power, and achieving the victory, of self-giving love. His victory is ours to implement as, trusting and following Jesus, we give ourselves away in God's service and radiate his love to a waiting world.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Christ's Peace,
Father Daniel
δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
PS If you're looking for an opportunity to give, check out our school's read-a-thon page. Every contribution goes to support the life-changing mission of OLMC School.
PPS Welcome Home to Healing is back. Churches in the Diocese of Paterson are open for confessions every Monday night from 7:00-8:30pm. The last Monday for the initiative is March 30th.
Preparing for Mass?
Check out this weekend's readings:
Second Sunday of Lent
Transfiguration by Titian, 1560