By Andrey Ivanovich Ivanov [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
"This
is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." ~ Mt 17:5
One thing I
love about today’s Gospel account of the Transfiguration is Peter’s reaction. I
can always count on Peter to react in a very human manner, just as I might
react myself. Witnessing this glimpse of the true glory of Jesus Christ leaves
Peter overwhelmed with joy, and he doesn’t want it to end. He wants to set up some
tents and stay there on the mountaintop with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, dwelling
in the presence of the living God.
But the time
has not yet come for entering into God’s glory eternally. There is work that
must still be done. Strengthened by what they have seen, Peter, James and John
are called to listen to the voice of God and follow His will. Again, Jesus
reminds them not to fear, no matter what might come. They must go down from the
mountaintop, ready to “bear their share of the hardship for the gospel with the
strength that comes from God” (2 Tm 1:8).
If you have
ever experienced a sublime moment when you become deeply aware of God’s
presence, you can easily sympathize with Peter’s desire. Those moments are
precious and don’t come often or remain long. But when the Lord sees that we
are in need of strength, He may give us the gift of a mountaintop experience of
our own. The heightened awareness of God’s presence in those rare moments will
bring us the strength we need to face whatever trials we must encounter.
Trust in God, who will never fail to let us know He is with us in times of difficulty and trials. Fear not, but listen closely for the voice of Jesus and seek to do the will of the Father.
March 12th, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent
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