On this 2nd Sunday of Lent we have the Transfiguration of the Lord accounted for us in our Gospel. Despite hearing this Gospel, today is not the Feast of the Transfiguration. That instead falls on August 6th.
To put the Feast of the Transfiguration into it’s proper historical context. It was celebrated throughout the world in the East and eventually made its way to the West. It was added to the universal liturgical calendar in 1456 by Pope Callixtus III. It was added in celebration of the victory of Hungarian forces over the Turks. August 6th is also important historically because it was the day that the atomic bomb was dropped upon Japan.
This date of August 6th works well because it proceeds the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by 40 days. This draws an important connection between the Transfiguration and the cross of our Blessed Lord. From the Transfiguration to the cross we are able to see the presence of Christ’s glory which shines forth from both. It is the season of Lent that assists us in drawing close to the cross and preparing for our encounter with the Lord’s Resurrection.
The cross without the Resurrection would bring forth true sadness and a lack of hope. This small glimpse into glory that we receive through the Lord’s Transfiguration encourages us to continue to move forward with the confidence of faith. When the road begins to get difficult it can be easy to desire to regress instead of continuing to move forward with the confidence of faith. Nevertheless, the apostles whom Jesus took with Him to the mountain top would come to see His glory and they would be allotted the faith and hope that was nesessery for all that they would soon encounter.
Despite the continued reality that comes through the darkness of sin and death we are called upon to place our trust in Jesus and to listen to Him. Just as August 6th surrounds itself within a history of war, so too did the healing reality of the Lord’s Transfiguration continue to shine forth. Our world continues to be touched by sin and death. We know of the attacks upon human life especially that within the womb. We hear of the bloodshed that takes place oversees especially between Russia and Ukraine. Despite all of these injustices and effects of sin in our world and life we must place our trust in Jesus and listen to Him.
Concerning war our Blessed Mother at Fatima entrusted us with three timeless requests: (1) Stop offending God which comes as a call to repentance, conversion, and reparation, (2) Pray the rosary daily, and (3) entrust ourself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To think of the effect that would take place within our life and world if only we took these requests to heart.
Lent is a time to strengthen our relationship with Christ Jesus. Throught the darkness which springs forth from the reality of sin and death always shines forth the hope that was given at the Transfiguration. These realities may remain a part of the human experience, but they do not have to overcome us. Let this Lenten season remain a time of hope as we anticipate that life which is to come. Let us come to order our life towards this reality.
