Gospel: Transfiguration Transparency
By Fr. Jerome Magat
Herald Columnist
(From the issue of 3/1/07)
The subject of the fourth luminous mystery of the rosary
is one of the most dramatic scenes in all of Scripture. It places Jesus
between Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets)
as the Lord of all history and the fulfillment of God’s promise
of a savior. This moment made such an impression on the disciples of the
Lord that it is one of the only stories common to all three of the synoptic
Gospels.
In St. Luke’s version of this event, there is a detail contained
in the story, unique to his account: Jesus was transfigured while he was
praying. This seemingly minor detail presents some insights into the power
of prayer and the relationship between the Transfiguration and the sacrament
of penance.
Just as Jesus was transfigured while He was praying, we are called in
a similar manner, to be transformed into saints. Throughout the ages,
many saints and theologians have offered different definitions for prayer,
but in its simplest terms, prayer is, “the elevation of the mind
and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some
desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession
for others before God” (CCC Nos. 2559-2565). As the soul is drawn
in closer union with God, it is steadily transformed by grace and becomes
a more perfect image of God Himself, sharing in the Trinity’s inner
life. Not only does prayer have the power to secure favors — more
importantly, it has the power to transform our will and desires into conformity
with God and His loving, providential plan. So, no matter if our petitions
are “answered” or not, the person transformed by prayer will
have greater insights into God’s will for them, especially if that
plan includes a participation in the Passion through suffering.
Not only does the Transfiguration remind us of the transforming power
of prayer — it also invites us to consider the transforming power
of the sacrament of penance. When Jesus was transfigured on Mt. Tabor
before Sts. Peter, James and John, these three apostles caught a glimpse
of Christ’s divine glory. In a sense, Jesus uncovered for them an
insight into His divine nature. They were able to see Jesus in a very
unique and highly-privileged manner. It was as if they could see a part
of Jesus beyond what mere human sight could discern.
In a similar fashion, this is what can happen for a contrite penitent
in the sacrament of penance. When one approaches our Lord’s tribunal
of mercy in making a good confession, all of the masks and appearances
that we assume in life can be taken off. We lay bare our souls before
Jesus’ mercy, who sees us as we truly are. No longer must we “put
on airs” or “present ourselves” in order to cast a certain
image that we would like others to have of us. In effect, we reveal our
true self. We allow the grace of Christ’s mercy to take our frail
humanity and allow it to be purified, strengthened and transformed, so
that we become as transparent to Him as He was transparent to the three
apostles. The challenge for us after confession is to integrate that true
self known to Jesus with the perception that we want others to have of
us. The integration of Christ’s two natures, held in perfect balance,
calls us to become whole and integrated persons.
In the season of Lent, we do well to pray for the grace of prayer to transform
us, so that we can become as transparent as the Transfigured One through
the sacrament of penance.
Fr. Magat is the parochial vicar at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Colonial Beach and St. Anthony of Padua Mission in King George.
(c) Copyright 2007 by Arlington Catholic
Herald
