Second Sunday of Lent

I have always loved the story of the transfiguration, which sees Jesus "transformed" on the mountain before the eyes of his three apostles. Jesus knew his apostles; they were very ordinary men, easily discouraged. Like us at the end of the end of a long, dreary winter, they needed the promise of good things to come. No wonder Peter wanted to stay up on the mountain!

Just as Jesus had to move on towards his passion and death, so we must get on with our lives. But the promise is there if only we can hear it…

Mary was having a hard time. The accident had left her badly injured, and she was now facing the life-or-death question of blood clotting. She looked into herself and felt afraid. There were many things in her life that weren’t all that they should be. What if that clot moved? What if she died and met God before the night was over? But then came the promise! Lying in her hospital bed, she spoke her fears to Jesus - and heard an answer. "I love you," he said. "I love you now, just as you are. Do not be afraid to come to meet me." She met the transfigured Jesus.

Like Peter, Mary wanted to stay there. But the clot dissolved and, like Peter, if she was going to follow Jesus she had to get on with her life. There was more to do, to follow him to the end, always remembering the promise of meeting the glorified Jesus once more.

"This is my Son, the Beloved, with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
- Matthew 17:5

By Mary Buckley CSJ