Life is often described as a journey. On a journey we encounter peaks and valleys, so also life is filled
with high and low points. It is helpful to view life that way, especially when we're facing low points. We
have the assurance that "this too shall pass." This is also true for the high points. We may say to ourselves: "I don't want this to
end." But it does. Life goes on and we must go on. Yet, if we let them, the memories of our high points give us hope and
strength, especially when we face the low points.
The Apostles were also on a journey. This journey was a physical one; they were travelling with Jesus from Galilee to
Jerusalem. But it was also a spiritual journey. They were getting to know who this Jesus was. At times they asked themselves,
like when Jesus calmed the storm and the waves on the Sea of Galilee: "Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey
him?" (Luke 8:25). And Jesus also asked them directly: "Who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20). Most of the time, they didn't
seem to get it. And Jesus would be frustrated with them: "Have I been with you all this time and you still do not know me?"
(John 14:9).
Today's Gospel (Luke 9:28-36) describes a high point on this journey for Jesus and His three closest Apostles. Jesus takes
Peter, James and John literally to a high point on their journey. They ascend the Mount of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor. It
rises so steeply above the surrounding countryside that even today, tour busses cannot make it up the winding road. Pilgrims
who want to get to the top must take a fleet of taxis, conveniently waiting for them at the bottom. But the trip is worth it, and
one is rewarded with a beautiful view.
No doubt, Jesus and the three Apostles also enjoyed the view, but more importantly, this physical high point became a spiritual
high point. As Jesus is transfigured before them they receive a glimpse of who Jesus really was and a preview of His resurrection.
Moses and Elijah appeared: Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. And they heard the voice of God
proclaim: "This is my chosen Son, listen to him." The Apostles wanted to build tents; they wanted to stay on the mountain top.
But Jesus resumed the journey, a journey that would end with His crucifixion and death. Yet this is precisely why they had experienced
the Transfiguration in the first place. Jesus wanted to strengthen them for the scandal of the cross and their own future
suffering. There were still many low points ahead, once they came down from the mountain top!
We too are on a journey. Just like with the Apostles, the spiritual aspect of this journey is to get to know Jesus better, in our
high points and our low points. And this is precisely our task for Lent. Through prayer, penance, and acts of charity, we open
ourselves up to the transforming power of God's grace. Yet today we don't have to climb to the top of Mount Tabor. In faith
we acknowledge the presence of the Resurrected Jesus in our midst. To receive our Lord in Holy Communion is to be transformed
into Him, slowly and imperceptibly, but really nevertheless. As St. Augustine so powerfully reminds us: "We become
what we receive." So in this Eucharist let us make Peter's words our own: "Master, it is good that we are here."
Msgr. Helmut Hefner
(2/28/10, 2nd Lent-C)