MOUNT TABOR TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

A REFLECTION FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY IN LENT

The story of Christ’s Transfiguration on the summit of Mount Tabor is familiar to all of us.  Not only do we read the account of this important event in today’s Gospel, but we celebrate on the 6^thday of August a whole feast day dedicated to the Transfiguration.  We know all the characters, not just our Lord himself of course, but the three apostles he chose to take with him up the mountain, where they were joined by Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets.

We know too the reasons why our Lord chose to reveal himself in all his glory to those three apostles.  They were about to witness a very different type of transfiguration, when our blessed Lord suffered his Agony in the Garden, his bloody scourging and crowning with thorns, his crucifixion.  They were about to see their Saviour die, and how could they be expected to keep their faith in the face of such apparent defeat at the hands of his enemies?  Our Lord’s answer was to show them, once and for all, who he truly was, the Son of God. Surely, this would be enough?

Let’s follow Peter, James and John down from the Mount of Transfiguration, and see how strong this vision had made them.  It will be a sobering reminder for ourselves that no matter how much we see and hear and read about our Lord’s life and death, we still manage to fall into sin so very easily.  This reminder is not just something to be acknowledged as a fact, we must do some serious thinking about how we can improve our track record and not be such weak and easily tempted warriors of Christ.

Gethsemane was the first test.  Our blessed Lord complained to these, his closest friends, that his soul was suffering even unto death.  He begged them to keep watch with him as he prayed, but their response was to fall asleep.  This was their friend’s darkest hour, and they let him down.  Here is incentive enough never to sin again, so let’s resolve that we will from now on say the first of the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary with renewed focus, reverence, and generosity.

When the soldiers came, St. Peter made a valiant but ill-advised attempt to defend our Lord.  He cut off the ear of the High Priest’s soldier, but was soundly rebuked by Jesus that he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.  Violence in the face of violence is usually not the right answer, and sometimes we must be meekly led to the slaughter like the Lamb of God before us.  If we’re attacked for religious reasons, let our answer be that of our religion, to love our enemies.  This is the Christian way, and is the gateway to martyrdom.

After Gethsemane there were other tests awaiting Peter, James and John.  Some tests they passed, others they failed.  Our inspiration from these saints must be to follow them in their success while learning from their mistakes.  And above all, to die, like them, in the state of sanctifying grace with our many offences forgiven.