The church takes us for a walk up a high mountain on the second
Sunday of Lent to join Jesus, Peter, James and John on a prayer adventure. It
was the last leg of a six-day journey. I have often considered in meditation
that Jesus had a series of very warm, personal conversations with the three
Apostles on this journey, especially as they climbed Mount Tabor, clarifying
questions, convincing them of his deep care, encouraging them for the
sacrifices that they were making for his sake and gently inviting them to
deeper conversion of heart. Jesus had prepared these future church leaders for
what would happen after they reached the summit.
According to Matthew, “(Jesus) was transfigured before them; his
face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” Jesus chose to
bless Peter, James and John with a spectacular privilege. For a precious
moment, Our Lord laid aside the cloak of his humanity and allowed them to
glimpse the glory of God exploding forth from his very being like the sun. This
gift would be a source of strength, a moment they would return to often,
especially during the countless trials and persecutions they would face for the
rest of their lives as his Apostles.
Can you recall an event or a moment when God chose to reveal himself
to you in a clear and definitive way? Go back to that moment in prayer and
thank God for it.
Peter, James and John would receive another spectacular grace
that day. God, the Father, chose to address them from the midst of a cloud:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” We are
given a glimpse into a second mystery on this mountain top. While we can never
fully grasp the depth, beauty or complexity of the relationship between the
Father and the Son, we are given a quick snapshot.
Our almighty Father does not speak directly to us very often in the
Gospels. So, we need to pay close attention when he does. In these 14 words,
the Father shares with us two critical realities. First, the most significant
element of his relationship with his Son is the love that exists between them.
The Father could have highlighted many things about Jesus from the cloud. He
chose to call him “my beloved Son.” This love defines their relationship and is
the source of all love. The Triune God created each and every one of us, in
fact, to participate in — to get drawn up into — that love for all eternity.
Do I take time to truly ponder and be abundantly grateful for
both the love that is within God and the overflowing love that God has for me?
Second, the Father expresses tremendous delight in Jesus. He is
well pleased with his only-begotten Son. This delight is, in fact, an eternal
reality. However, the Son is, at this moment, on a mission while walking the
dirt roads of Galilee and he is lovingly, obediently accomplishing the Father’s
plan, which will soon come to a climax on the cross in Jerusalem. This loving
obedience delights the Father. Their relationship is absolutely beautiful to
behold.
Now is a good moment to recall that through the gift of our baptism,
we become sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. As his child, the Father
takes great delight in you. Are you growing in your acceptance of this great
truth?
Finally, the Father extends a challenge to us: “Listen to him.”
We must take to heart these words of the Father. We are summoned to build into
our daily lives time to listen to Jesus on a very regular basis. Our Lord
deeply desires to speak to us and does so in many ways — through sacred
Scriptures, the teaching office of the church, the lives and writings of the
saints, and in the quiet of our hearts.
What is your perspective on daily prayer and regular
participation in the sacraments? Do you try to fit daily prayer into your life
or do you build the rest of your life around the time you prioritize for God?
Fr. Peterson is director of mission and
development for the Youth Apostles.