Sunday, February 25, 2024

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, February 25, 2024

(Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10)

As we always hear the gospel of Jesus' temptation on the first Sunday of Lent, we can count on hearing of his transfiguration on the second. We also heard the same gospel on August 6th. It seems that the event is so important to consider that it is worth repeating. We are going to reflect on the transfiguration or change in appearance in two ways: what happens to Jesus and what happens to its witnesses who include ourselves.

Sometimes preachers try to differentiate between a transformation and a transfiguration. They say, for example, that transfiguration is always from a lower state to a higher state while transformation can be an improvement or a deterioration. But this distinction is difficult to see. The Greek of the gospel today says “metemorphOthE” which is translated as “was transformed.” Evidently the custom developed over the centuries of calling the change in Jesus’ appearance “the Transfiguration” as we have it now in our missals.

Jesus' appearance changes quickly and significantly. His full identity is revealed when his clothes take on a terrific sheen. As Superman is seen for who he is when journalist Clark Kent takes off his suit, God's Messiah is identified when Jesus' clothes shine. This transformation verifies what Peter stated earlier: Jesus is the Messiah or, in Greek, the Christ. It also indicates the truth that Jesus himself tried to instill in his disciples with little success. That is, although he is the Messiah, he has to die to gain the salvation of Israel.

In addition to his transfiguration, there are two other testimonies in favor of Jesus in this gospel. The presence of Moses and Elijah on both sides of Jesus testifies to Jesus’ preeminence in salvation history. His words carry to perfection the Law that Moses presented to the people. Likewise, his suffering will culminate the sacrifices of the prophets, among whom Elijah is the most prominent, in carrying out the will of God.

In the desert God communicated with Israel from a cloud. Now on the mountain he also speaks from a cloud. “This is my beloved Son…”, God says.  Jesus is God’s “beloved” because he perfectly fulfills His will. God then concludes his message: “…listen to him.” Because he does the Father's will implicitly, he is worth the disciples' listening.

Jesus is not the only one to experience a change in this gospel. His disciples are also affected. Their faith has grown since climbing the mountain. Amazed by the vision of Jesus transfigured, they can now expect something extraordinary to happen to him. Their faith should not be completely shaken when Jesus is crucified.

We have been aware of the passion and resurrection since our first catechism lessons. However, it is possible that living among doubters and non-believers who now abound we begin to waver on these principles of faith. But by hearing this gospel we believe in Jesus crucified and risen with as much conviction as Abraham had in today’s first reading. Abraham believed that God would not deny His promise to make him the patriarch of a numerous nation.  Even though God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, he did not doubt God’s truthfulness. Now it is up to us to live with so much faith. No matter what the wise men of this world say, we will follow Jesus, our risen Lord.

We began this Lenten journey with ashes on our foreheads. The priest told us that we were dust and to dust we will return. Now after hearing the gospel of the transfiguration we can add something to this alarming pronouncement. From dust as fine as the ashes of the crematorium we will rise to eternal life.

Friday, February 23, 2024

 Friday of the First Week of Lent

(Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:21-26)

Jesus sounds like a rigorist en today’s gospel.  He demands that his disciples not become angry with one another.  However, few people are so completely equanimous that they never express hostility.  It is said of some saints, however, that they treated everyone kindly.

Jesus does not want his followers to despair because their tempers escape their control.  The same passage which condemns anger extends recourse to reconciliation.  Hotheads should seek forgiveness from those they have offended as well as the Lord.

Lent provides motivation for us to experiment withholding anger.  We should try refraining from outbursts for these seven weeks.  At the end of the period we might ask ourselves if we did better curbing our temper.  We will probably want to continue practicing restraint in our dealings with others.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, apostle

(I Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19)

Today’s feast is meant to honor the papacy as well as St. Peter.  The Chair of Peter is the seat of authority on which a pope sits.  Since the Church’s foundation, no fewer than 266 men have occupied that chair.

Jesus selects Simon because of the special revelation God gives him about Jesus’ divine Sonship. He changes his name to Peter as a sign of every pope’s role.  They must be firm in teaching and in calling the Church to unity.  Popes should also have a deep relationship with God so that they might discern His will as evidently Simon has done in the gospel.  Today’s first reading adds several more qualifications.  Popes must be close to the people so that they may teach by example as well as doctrine.  They should also carry out their responsibilities not as professionals for pay but as those with a vocation willing to work without profit.

Fortunately, we have had fine persons sitting on the Chair of Peter in recent years.  John Paul II was almost incomparable for his energy, genius, and pastoral insight.  Francis, despite his faux paus, has shown us how to love deeply.  The papacy is a strenuous office, usually occupied by men who are past retirement age.  We should pray for them as well as heed their authority.

Wednesday, February 21, 2014

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent

(Jonah 3:1-0; Luke 11:29-32)

Enter almost any doctor’s office, and you will be asked for a sign.  The attendant will want to see your insurance card guaranteeing the doctor will be paid.  You can tell her or him that you have money to cover the doctor’s fee.  But don’t expect to be believed.  In today’s gospel Jesus chastises the people for a similar lack of faith.

The people want Jesus to produce miracles on demand before they believe in him.  He tells them that this is not God’s way.  He says that just as the Ninevites believed Jonah’s prophecy of a calamity unless they turned to God for mercy, Jews should heed his similar message.

It is hard for some of us to believe.  Perhaps we have been tricked or misled by someone whom we thought was telling the truth.  But, as Jesus indicates, there is still plenty of reason to trust in God’s word.  We have life and more than enough to eat.  We probably have had at least one parent who would have died for us and friends who are willing to help meet our needs.  These are all signs of a sort indicating God’s abiding presence.  There is no need to hold out for miracles before believing in Him.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

(Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15)

In the Old Testament the ear takes precedence over the eye.  God frequently talks to His people at least through the prophets.  But only once does He show himself in full theophany.  In today’s first reading God Himself emphasizes the efficacy of His word.  He says that it always achieves His purpose.

The gospel makes the word of God Jesus’ disciples’ own word.  Jesus, God incarnate, teaches his followers how to pray with an emphasis on forgiveness.  The Father will forgive those who forgive the offenses of others.

Forgiveness requires humility.  When we forgive, we give up the claims we have against our offenders.  Our pride can keep this from happening.  However, hearing Jesus’ guarantee of our own forgiveness, we cannot afford not to forgive.