As we enter into this 2nd Sunday of Lent we must realize that the scandal of the cross is quickly approaching. It was for this reason that Christ took with Him His apostles: Peter, James, and John unto the mountaintop to be transfigured in their sight. Very soon they would be touched by the scandal of the cross, their faith would be shaken, and thus they were given this glimpse into Heavenly glory in order that they may hold fast solid in their faith.
Our Gospel instructs that “he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” We also hear the familiar voice of the Father which was heard also at the Baptism of the Lord: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” What they see here is our Lord in all His Heavenly glory and the reality of the proclamation that He is the Son of God as we profess the second Person of the Holy Trinity.
This glimpse into Heaven that they received was important for it calmed any fear that was present within their heart. As the cloud came over them and was lifted from their midst they were left in the presence of Christ who is the Son of God, who dies upon the cross to forgive us of our sins, on third day rose again, and then ascended to His Father in Heaven. Left behind were Moses and Elijah for now the one to whom they had pointed towards had finally arrived in the form of the Messiah.
Surely no one here thinks that the cross to be a beautiful object. It is an object of death and rejection and yet through this instrument of death and rejection we have been set free. So many wear the cross around their neck and yet want nothing to do with its embrace upon their own life. As Christians we must come to embrace the cross for ourself and we can only do this if we keep in mind this glimpse of the Transfiguration of our Blessed Lord.
To turn on the television is to be filled with glimpses of violence and unrest. These glimpses can leave us filled with fear, but through this glimpse into the Transfiguration we are being instructed to be not afraid. The cross peaks it ugly head into our life through sickness and lack of health for ourself or for one whom we love. The cross peaks its ugly head into our life through the uncertainty of money and the necessities of life which are necessary for our human flourishing. The cross peaks its ugly head into our life when feel abandoned, alone, and afraid and know not the twist nor turn that life may take.
