DAY 3 - LENT & THE MOUNTAIN

Gospel > Luke 9:28b-36   Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents,one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

DAY 3 > MEDITATION   On the mountain, Peter, James and John – at first - feel relatively prosperous and comfortable. And, the mountaintop experience of dazzling white brings the hope of future success. They want to capture the moment. And, they have new confidence in their well-connected teacher– and Savior -- Jesus.

At the same time, this perception of comfort and prosperity is off the mark.Jesus does not take Peter, James and John up the mountain to make them relax or to remove stress. A voice from the heavens, God’s voice, points out that they are called to listen to Jesus. “This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Luke 9:35)

Peter, James and John are called to realize – and we are also -- to realize that our relationship with Christ does not depend on what we build or establish or prove. And, this relationship may bring conflict or trouble, trying to do the right ethical thing.

As Psalm 50 says, “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” In other words, you need not build the tents nor achieve anything material. Our success also does not come about by telling others what they really want to hear. And, our real contentment does not come by hearing what we want to hear.

Rather, our real contentment comes by opening ourselves to the challenges life brings. And, our true contentment comes in humble service. This means, at least occasionally, hearing what we don’t want to hear and applying it to our lives. It may also mean saying a challenging word to another, doing so lovingly, saying even the thing the other person does not want to hear.

This will really bring us into the inner circle of a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This can happen on the mountain or wherever we are, at any altitude.

 

DAY 3  > REFLECTIONS AND QUESTIONS

 Catholic Catechism n. 554  “From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus' face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking "of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem". A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"  (Luke 9:35)

 DAY 3 – QUESTION 1 -  The Transfiguration reminds us the suffering that precedes the Resurrection, an important message that even his own disciples reject.  It is difficult for us to accept suffering in our own lives.  In what ways are we called to “listen to him” during times of crisis?

DAY 3 – QUESTION 2 -  The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus prays before important decisions and moments. And, he invites his disciples to participate in this prayer.  Over what important life-decision am I called to pray? And, am I also involving my family and loved ones in this prayer? (cf. CCC Catechism, n. 2600)