On this day that we hear of the transfiguration of Jesus, one has to ask oneself what the message of the gospel must hold for us. It is a simple idea to say that since Christ was transformed before the watchful eyes of the disciples, that we are seeking to transform ourselves during the Lenten season. This is certainly a true statement, but I believe there is a deepness to the gospel message that is lost if we just consider the transfiguration of Jesus as a change. If we carefully look at the reading, the transfiguration occurs as Jesus talks about his coming death and resurrection with Moses and Elijah. And once the conversation is complete, and both prophets are no longer visible, Jesus once again looks the same as he did before this miraculous event.
We may not realize how God has transformed us, simply because we look and feel no different. Yet a transformation has occurred. It took place at our baptism. It took place at our confirmation. It takes place each time we experience reconciliation. It takes place each time we receive the Eucharist. The sacraments are intimate experiences with our God. So intimate that they are life changing, redirecting, life shattering events, and we may not even realize it. Each sacrament brings us another step closer to the person God created us to be. Each sacrament transfigures us into the image of Christ so others may experience His caring and love.
The sacraments are our transfigurations. Each brings us to a place in our relationship with God that is so intimate, we may not want to leave it. We may want to build a tent for ourselves and God and stay in that moment forever. But just as Jesus was called to a ministry in the Father's plan, so also are we. So we continue to grow and develop into a more perfect embodiment of the risen Lord and builders of the kingdom. So we continue to journey, through lent, through life, being transformed.
No comments:
Post a Comment