Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings, for the Second Sunday of Lent, by Father Perry.
“Listen! If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts! Listen!”
The Transfiguration of Matthew sends an important message, not only to the disciples who shared the moment with Jesus, but to all of us — every Christian.
Jesus took three disciples with him up the mountain — the place where Sacred Things occurred.
There, they experienced God’s presence — Moses and Elijah appeared standing near Jesus.
Immediately, Peter felt the need to “do” something.
He wasn’t content or peaceful enough to just “take in” the experience.
It wasn’t enough to simply receive what God was clearly giving to them.
He wasn’t aware that, at that moment, God was calling him.
So while Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them all. In fear, the disciples fell face down on the ground.
A voice — the voice of God — spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Jesus then touched them, saying: “Get up and do not be afraid.”
But at the gentle touch of Jesus, the disciples were once again “called” to not fear, but to have faith.
When they did get up, they saw “no one else but Jesus alone.”
What a scene! What a moment!
The amazing and the ordinary stood side by side.
Visions of prophets, a glorified transfiguration, bright lights, and voices — all streamed together to “call” the disciples deeper into the mystery of God revealed in Jesus.
