Listen to Him.
Dear Parishioners,
In ancient times, covenant or treaty was done often to grant a just and peaceful future or coexisting between, individuals, tribes, nations, and in some cases in marriage contracts. In the book of Genesis, a unique kind of covenant happened between Abram and God. Abram was an old man who answered God’s invitation to move to an unknown destination. He was childless. But he trusted in God who made a promise to give him descendants numerous enough to constitute a nation. How could that be possible since he was childless? Abram’s trust is rooted in belief in God’s power to realize the promise.
It was not enough, he needs something concrete to seal this promise. God took him outside and asked him to “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.” As Abram looks up into the night sky it dawned on him that God’s promise is irreproachable and ever super-abundance. This moves Abram to put his faith in the Lord. The stars in the sky spoke to him and in ways that illuminated his heart. It was an experience that Abram can never forget. He forged an unbreakable bond with God. His faith was solid like a rock.
Lent is not just a time when we simply confront evil. It is not a gloomy period that we torture ourselves; rather it is a wonderful time when our true nature is exposed. It is a period when we come face to face with God who reveals himself to us. God’s radiance shines like a star in our hearts. The external appearance falls off so that the divine life may spark anew in us. The inner darkness that often clouds our judgment, vision and desire for holiness falls off like flakes.
In today’s gospel, Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. While he was praying, his whole appearance changed; his face, and his clothing became dazzling white. A shining light that left the apostles speechless, but comforting that made Peter wanting nothing but to stay and bask in that amazing experience. The holiness of Jesus shines far brighter than the stars that Abram gazed upon.
Like Abram, the apostle’s faith in Jesus were sealed. Christ’s glorified state gratifies all their longing and desires. When you look up to the sky, what do you see. What satisfies your desires? Who gives you hope? When you are troubled, or going through difficulties, put your trust in God. Two prophetic figures, Moses and Elijah, appeared to Jesus and discussed with him the events that will surround his death. We learn something new about trials, suffering and confrontation with evil. We learn that God is with us and will never leave us alone. No cloud or darkness can overshadow his plans for us.
Jesus had early announced to his disciples about the trial and suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem. They needed assurance that the Passion of Jesus will lead to glory of Resurrection. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” God reassures us to have faith in Jesus; to be true to him, in good times, and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death.
Today’s scripture readings remind us not to become so attached to the worldly affairs that we forget our ultimate destiny; our own transfiguration into the image of Christ.
Grace and Peace to You.
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
