Word to the Wise
Sunday, March 12, 2017 - 2nd Sunday of Lent - A
[Gen 12:1-4a; 2 Tim 1:8b-10; Matt 17:1-9]"Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design..." [2 Timothy]
This weekend I begin a parish mission in Amarillo, TX, at a parish that was once served by Dominican friars. The pastor tries to maintain that contact by inviting a Dominican to preach the annual Lenten Mission. This is my second time (the first was in 2010). The theme of the mission is CALLED TO A HOLY LIFE!.
The fundamental call to a holy life comes at our baptism. Our Catholic faith teaches us that on that occasion we start with a "clean slate" before God. Objectively, we will be as holy as we'll ever be on earth at the time of our baptism! For most of us, however, baptism happens when we are infants and it falls to our family, friends and church to teach us what "holiness means." In many parishes today, there will be ceremonies in connection with the RCIA programs, marking the progress of those seeking to become Catholics at Easter. Their commitment of faith can serve as a reminder of our own call to holiness.
The gospel scripture for today is the incident known as the "Transfiguration of Christ." This is a moment of special revelation to Peter, James and John. They experience a "holiness" that leaves them bewildered and frightened, despite Jesus' assurances. Yet, that "transfiguration" can give us an idea of the goal that we work toward. It's not as if we grow haloes or glow in the dark or levitate above the floor. Holiness is a measure of our intention to stay close to God and live according to Jesus' teachings. The attitude known as "holier than thou" has no place in this process which goes on all our lives.
One simple way to remember this is when we enter or leave the church building. We touch the holy water and make the Sign of the Cross. Water AND the words, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" are the instruments of baptism. They should remind us that baptism is not a thing that happened to us long ago but is a reality NOW. We ARE baptized, not we WERE baptized. We are called to strive for holiness. This means not simply pious devotion, but love, forgiveness and service to our neighbor. When you touch that water today and any time, be sure to say the words and remember the call to holiness. AMEN
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