RBWords

     The "ultimate gift" could be said to be the major focus of this Sunday's scriptures!  We use the expression to mean a gift that has the greatest value of any possible gift.  We often use the term when it comes to giving one's life for a cause or to save the life of another person.  Parents may feel they are making the ultimate gift when they see a son or daughter go off to war (or to seminary/religious life)!  The ultimate gift implies a "sacrifice" on the part of the giver and not simply an expensive gesture that leaves the giver untouched. In the scripture from Genesis, the real sacrifice is not Isaac, but Abraham's hope for posterity since Isaac was his only son.  Genesis, Romans and Mark all speak, today, to the parent/child bond and the "sacrifice" of the parent!  Needless to say, there is also the dimension of the one who is the gift itself:  the child!  One wonders how Isaac felt when he realized what his father was up to!  One can hear Jesus' prayer in the garden, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me!  Yet, not my will, but yours, be done."

     The gospel scripture today presents us with that mysterious incident called "the transfiguration."  Without going into the incident in depth, the words, "This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him." show us the relationship between Jesus and his Father.  In the light of the story of Abraham and Isaac, and St. Paul's reflection on the Father's "gift" of the Son for all of us, we can begin to understand just how "ultimate" God's love is.  Our "giving up" some favorite food or drink in Lent does seem rather small in comparison.  We may not be called to make an "ultimate" gift for Lent, but we can do better than forty days of inconvenience!  AMEN