RBWords

     In spiritual direction or in any close relationship, there will be moments when a person will reveal a "side" of him- or herself that can leave us in awe!  Jesus took only Peter, James and John up that mountain [in the Bible, big things often happen on mountains] and revealed a side of his identity that was not just awesome but frightening!  Jesus showed them that he was not just a wise teacher and wonder-working healer, but the Son of God!!!!  This experience left them puzzled until after Jesus' resurrection when they realized the full significance of the "transfiguration" event.  It is not that Jesus was changed in any way, he simply opened up a reality about himself that was really too much for those three fishermen-disciples.

     In Lent we undertake very penances or activities that we hope will prepare us for the reality of Holy Week.  We know from the centuries of reflection in the church that Jesus' identity is something beyond complete understanding, but the events of Holy Week bring us up against what is revealed on the mountain.  The teacher-healer is the Son of God, but he can be tortured and killed and then be raised from the dead!!!!  He warns the disciples about this three times in his ministry, but it is too much for them to contemplate

      The transfiguration is a preview of what will be revealed at Easter, and gives us the primary motive for all that we do in Lent.  It is probably easier to relate to the one who says to us, "Rise, and do not be afraid!" than it is to a voice from heaven that says, "This is my Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased."  But Jesus is all of this.  Does what we decide to do to observe Lent make any difference in our appreciation of who Jesus is?  How do we share this?  Is there a side to our faith that we can "put skin on" so that others can have that mountain experience?  AMEN