Inspired by a reflection of Michael Moore OMI
Praise be Jesus Christ.
Most
of us live an ordinary and usual life. It’s truth for most of us.
The
apostles were living life as usual; if a life walking with Jesus on earth was
usual. But after 3 years, maybe, they felt life had become ordinary and usual. Peter
was so comfortable that 6 days before, he rebuked Jesus when he foretold of his
passion.
Then
Jesus took them up the mountain.
At
first, it was nothing unusual. Jesus often went to the mountains to pray. But
for Peter, James, and John something wonderful was about to happen. He was transfigured before them, his clothes became
dazzling white. His face shone like the sun.
Imagine the surprise, shock, and astonishment of the men with Jesus. All Peter could say, Lord, it is wonderful to be here.
But the words they heard; This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
Words
that mean just as much today as they did then. As important to us as they were
to the ones who first heard them. Because,
the good news Jesus speaks is life-giving and life-changing.
If
we open our hearts to his words they change us. They will nourish and sustain us. They give us a glimpse of Jesus in all his
glory and a taste of the promise of what is to come.
To follow Jesus up that mountain encourages and challenges us to venture away from life
as usual; because as followers of Christ, our lives are more than the ordinary and usual. The Transfiguration reminds us we Jesus to a life of meaning and purpose by realizing
God’s promise to us.
Celebrating
the Transfiguration is to experience hope in Jesus Christ. His words are the
promise of eternal life. This is my beloved Son.
Listen to him.
We
may never experience anything as powerful as the Transfiguration; but, in
countless ways, God does come into our daily lives.
In
moments of peace, joy, reconciliation, or forgiveness, God is with us. In every
act of compassion we share, God reaches out to us and through us. Those are moments
of transfiguration for ourselves and those we help.
Lord it is wonderful to be here; open
our hearts to hear Jesus.
Praise
be Jesus Christ. Forever and ever. Amen.
