Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 32; 2Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9
Called to be Transfigured
Jesus went with Peter, James and John to the mountain but while they were at prayer he was transfigured. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. The Transfiguration took place in order to strengthen the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent onto the ‘high mountain’ prepares us for the ascent to Calvary. Divine encounter strengthens us to overcome the burdens of our calling or lives. In 1Sam17:37 David became courageous to face the Philistine when he remembered how God helped him to prevail over the Lion and Bear in the forest. We all need ‘mountain top’ experiences to help us cope with everyday challenges in the valleys of life. Following today’s readings the transfiguration experience leaves us with the following:
PRIVATE PRAYERS: In spite of his busy schedules Jesus made time to meet privately with God. Many Christians are so busy with their personal lives that they hardly make time for private prayers. When we refuse to pray privately we destroy our relationship with the Father. The prayer life of a true Christian must go beyond morning and evening devotions. Like Jesus we must seek moments we could be alone with God. Such moments brings about our own transfiguration and transformation.
“LISTEN TO HIM.” This is aimed towards Peter and the others. However, it also applies to us in this day and age. To listen to Jesus is: to hear what he says; to accept what he says; make it our own and to identify with it fully. We need to cultivate the habit of listening to Jesus. Through listening we are able to understand our spiritual progress; confront our deeper fears and tell ourselves the truth about our lives. A listening heart enjoys divine alignment. It gets configured even to the whispers from Zion. If we don’t listen we can’t hear. If we don’t tune down our volume we can’t pick his impulses. There is nothing bad about speaking your mind but when it comes to the Lord , it is far better to listen than to speak. Jesus himself said in Luke 11:28 “More blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
GOD’S PRESENCE: Peter said’ “It is good for us to be here.” Peter’s statement shows the beauty of the presence of God and the need for us to desire to dwell in His presence at all times. There is a feeling of awesomeness in the presence of God. Ps. 122:1 says I rejoice when I heard them say let us go to the house of the Lord. Ps.16:11 In the presence of God there is fullness of joy. Outside His presence is chaos. It was so dangerous for the people of Israel to go without His presence. In the same vein for Christians to exist without his presence is dangerous. Let us be conscious of his presence. In the Church some have lost the consciousness of his sacred presence and so they dress, talk, and do whatever they like in the church. Are you happy being in the Church? if you are not; examine the causes and address them.
THE LORD’S SUMMONS: The first reading describes how God called Abram and offered a promise to him that if he heeded his summon, he would become a great nation. Heeding to the Lord’s summon brings about transformation. The disciples Peter, James and John heeded the summon on the mountain top and with that experience they were strengthened. What is our attitude towards divine summons? How are we responding to the Lord’s call? No doubt summons go concomitantly with trials. Do not be abashed, the second reading tells us that God has given us his grace. His grace is always sufficient for us no matter what may betide us.
Rev. Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
4/3/2023
