Some
background into today’s gospel passage. This event is known as the
Transfiguration of the Lord. This is Matthew’s account, but all 3 evangelists
record it – almost word for word with each other. It begins with – “After six days” – six days after what –
after Jesus predicting his death on a cross. This has thrown apostles into
extreme confusion, with Peter protesting, “… this must never happen to you”,
and Jesus correcting him strongly – it will happen.
The time
setting here is harvest time. The crops are in, the meat is slaughtered. In
book of Leviticus, God’s people are instructed, at the end of harvest, to
observe 7 days of celebration in thanksgiving for the blessing of a good
harvest. During these days, they are to recall their history – how their
ancestors spent 40 years in desert, where God alone protected them and fed
them, and continues to bless them today.
So, on
their roofs they were to fashion little huts or booths of branches – like their
ancestors did in the wilderness – they were to enter and contemplate God’s
unbroken providence. It’s sort of like a seven-day spiritual retreat time. But
this day would reveal that everything is about to change. It is as if the great
vail is parted and they are now looking into the future, into heaven itself.
They see
Jesus in his glory as the son of God. They see Moses who represents the law of
the O.T. and Elijah representing all the great prophets of the O.T. And now
God’s voice is heard from heaven: “This
is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased, LISTEN TO HIM.”
The age
of the Law & the Prophets is now fulfilled. A new Age has begun,
o
the Age of the new People of God – now to include all peoples of the world.
o the Age of
Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ, the new Law for holiness of life.
o the Age
of the Church, the new Prophetic Voice proclaiming God’s Word, God’s plan of
salvation for all people.
Today,
in the liturgy, we are standing in this very same place, God's presence – now we take our turn,
listening to God’s Voice, with the very same command – “Listen to Him!” But oh,
how hard it is to listen in these days. A cacophony of voice pours down on us
every day – radios, T.V.s internet and cell phones – all ring in our ears. That
is why we must have a plan, a clear strategy for listening.
First
and most importantly is the Mass – here we are together, with Him. In the Liturgy
of the Word it is Christ’s voice we hear. (Document on the Liturgy) But we must include others sources too: spiritual
reading, bible study, faith-sharing in groups, retreats, papal teachings, devotional practices, etc. Get
a paper and pen today and sit down and example what your strategy is – what’s
happening, how am I listening, what’s missing?
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