REFLECTIONS: FR. JUDE'S -- SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

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13-2-05

Dear Friend,

Life is full of changes and transformations that we see around us. Sometimes
we wish things would change but often we do not believe that we can change.
We give a lot of reasons why we cannot change and so we never change. Lent
is about transformations and transfigurations made possible by faith. May His word challenge and transform us. Have an affirming Lenten weekend! -Fr. Jude

Sunday Reflections: Second Sunday of Lent Called to be a blessing. 20-2-05
Readings: Genesis 12: 1-4; 2 Timothy 1: 8-10; Matthew 17: 1-9;
In the first reading from the Book of Genesis we have the inspiring story of
the call of Abraham to be a blessing to all peoples. At the age of
seventy-five, when our present-day world would expect a person to be long
since retired from an active life, when most aged people are written off,
Abraham sets out on a journey of faith, moving from the familiar, secure and
well-ordered routine in his native place to an unknown destination,
literally to 'God knows where'! All he can rely on is the promise of God
that in obedience to God's call he will be blessed and in turn be a blessing
to his people. Abraham went as the Lord told him. It is never too late to
respond to God's call. It is said that apparently nothing of real
significance happened in the life of St. Teresa of Avila until after she was
fifty years old!

"Picture an old lamp covered with layers of dust and dirt. How wretched and
useless it looks. Then someone comes along, cleans off the layers of dirt,
and polishes it until it begins to sparkle, and then lights it. Suddenly the
lamp is transformed. It positively glows, radiating light and beauty to
every corner of the room. Whereas prior to this it was disfigured with dust
and dirt, now it is transfigured with beauty. Yet it is the same lamp. When
an object (or a person) is loved and cared for, it is redeemed, and rendered
brighter and worthier." - Flor McCarthy

In the second reading from St. Paul's letter to Timothy, Paul reminds young
Timothy to 'bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails.'
Timothy and all of us are reminded that we are called to a holy life
according to God's own design. If we are to be a blessing we have to follow
in obedience like Abraham our father in faith. God's grace, through Jesus
Christ, will do the rest.

In the gospel we recall the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain in the
company of Peter, James and John. Today's gospel reminds us, first of all,
that transformations take place in the context of prayer. Jesus led his
disciples up a high mountain, where they could be alone. The mountain, in
the Israelite tradition, symbolized the meeting place with God. Moses had
witnessed Yahweh on the mountain and each time he encountered Him his face
glowed with the presence of God. Jesus was transfigured in their presence
and 'his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as light.'

Secondly, Jesus appears transfigured in the context of his relationship with
his Father, symbolized by the presence of the cloud and the heavenly voice.
The presence of the cloud also links with the presence of the cloud, which
symbolized Yahweh, who accompanied the Israelites as they journeyed through
the desert to the promise land. Thirdly, this transfiguration is not only a
blessing and an affirmation for Jesus, proclaimed by the voice from heaven,
"This is my Son, the beloved; He enjoys my favour. Listen to him", but it is
also a blessing for the three disciples, who are witnesses of the
transfiguration. They have a privileged window on salvation history as they
witness Jesus in conversation with the father figures of the Law and the
prophets, Moses and Elijah. This vision will reassure them when they hear
other voices later opposing Jesus, rejecting his mission, and seeking to
destroy him.

Transfiguration
Van Gogh was not noted for his physical beauty. In fact his face was
described by some as being repulsive. Yet as soon as he began to speak about
art, his melancholy expression would disappear, his eyes would sparkle, and
his features would make a deep impression on those around him. It wasn't his
own face any longer; it had become beautiful. It seemed he was breathing in
beauty. - At times all of us can feel down, a prey to feelings of failure
and worthlessness. But then suddenly something nice happens to us - a friend
calls, or we get a letter with some good news in it - and suddenly
everything is changed. The truth of course is that nothing has changed. It
is just that a spark of joy or hope or love has been kindled in our hearts,
and we suddenly see ourselves in a new and better light.
Flor McCarthy in 'New Sunday & Holy Day Liturgies'

Before Jesus began his final journey, which would lead to his suffering and
death on the Cross, he had taken his disciples up the mountain and given
them a privileged vision of who he was, so that they might be strengthened
when put to the test. The transfiguration would be a moment of encouragement
but it would be only for a moment. Peter, ever impulsive, wanted to grasp
this moment and capture it and prolong it and make it permanent by building
tents or tabernacles to contain this experience. Our own experiences also
tell us that we want the good experiences, the peak moments of life to last
forever. We are afraid to let go and move on, we want to be in the past
rather than move on to where the Lord wants us to go. But the reality is
that we have to come down from the mountain. "But Jesus came up and touched
them. "Stand up" he said, "Do not be afraid." Our transfiguration can happen
in the strangest of ways when we let Jesus into our lives.

Healing Solitude
One Sunday morning in summer when I was twelve, I was waiting for my friend
Juanita to come over. We had planned a morning together and she was quite
late. I was fretting and complaining and generally making a nuisance of
myself. In fact I was becoming rather obnoxious to everyone else in the
house. Finally, my father said to me, "Get a book, a blanket and an apple,
and get into the car." I wanted to know why, but he only repeated the order.
So I obeyed. My father drove me about eight miles from home to a canyon
area, and said, "Now get out. We cannot stand you any longer at home. You
aren't fit to live with us. Just stay out here by yourself today until you
understand better how to act. I'll come back for you this evening." I got
out, frustrated, and defiant and angry. The nerve of him! I thought
immediately of walking back home; eight miles was no distance at all for me.

Then the thought of meeting my father when I got there took hold, and I
changed my mind. I cried and threw the book, apple and blanket over the
canyon ledge. I had been dumped and I was furious. But it is hard to keep up
a good rebellion cry with no audience and so finally there was nothing to do
but face up to the day alone. I sat on the rim kicking up dirt and trying to
get control of myself. After a couple of hours as noon approached, I began
to get hungry. I located the apple and climbed down to retrieve it- as well
as the book and blanket. I climbed back up and as I came over the top I
noticed a tree. It was lovely and full. As I spread the blanket and began to
eat the apple, I noticed a change of attitude. As I looked through the branches 
into the sky, a great sense of peace and beauty came upon me. I began 
to see my behaviour in a new light. I found myself thinking of God. It began 
to be prayer time; I wanted to be a better person. I just lay there in silence.
By the time my father returned I was restored. I was different and he knew it.
William Bausch

May the reassurance of His transfiguration and our own encourage us to move on!

Fr. Jude Botelho
jude@netforlife.plus.com

PS. The stories, incidents and anecdotes used in the reflections have been
collected over the years from books as well as from sources over the net and
from e-mails received. Every effort is made to acknowledge authors whenever
possible. If you send in stories or illustrations I would be grateful if you
could quote the source as well so that they can be acknowledged if used in
these reflections. These reflections are also available on my website:
www.netforlife.net Thank you!