Second Sunday of Lent

March 5, 2020

March 8, 2019

 

Book of Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 33

Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 1:8b-10

Matthew 17:1-9

Twins, a sister and brother were talking to each other in the womb.  The little sisters said to her brother, “I believe that there is life after birth!”  Her brother protested and said, No, I disagree, this is all there is.  This is a dark and cozy place, and we have nothing else to do but to cling onto the cord that feeds us.”  But the little girl persisted, “There must be something else where there is light and freedom to move about.”  But she could still could not convince her twin brother.  Then, after some silence, she said, “I also believe that we have a mother.”  Her little brother became angry and said, “A mother, what are you talking about? I have never seen a mother and neither have you.  Who put that idea in your head?  As I told you before, this place is all we ever have so let’s just be content.”  The little girl finally said, “Don’t you feel that odd pressure sometimes?  It’s really unpleasant and sometimes even painful.”  “Yes, he answered, but what’s so special about that?”  She said, “I think the pressure and the pain is there to get us ready for another place, much more beautiful that this, where we will se our mother face to face.  Don’t you think that’s exciting?”   

In this story the twin brother did not believe there was anything beyond what he could see and hear and touch.  The story reminds me of, well, the story of life.  We are like the twin sister; we say “we are only passing through,” which means that this life, here and now, is preparing us for the next life – eternal life. 

In today’s Gospel of Saint Matthew Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain by themselves and was “transfigured” before their eyes. 

Sisters and brothers, on that mountain Peter, James and John saw that there was more to Jesus than met the eye.  During the “transfiguration” they got a glimpse of the future glory of Jesus’ resurrection.  Like the disciples we too get glimpses of the presence of God in our lives:

• We get a glimpse of God in the love we receive from other people.
• We get a glimpse of God when we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren.
• We get a glimpse of God when we look back into our lives and from what we couldn’t understand in the past that makes perfect sense to us now.
• We get glimpse of God when a passage from Holy Scripture or a preached homily strikes a chord in our hearts.
• We get a glimpse of God when we spend time in prayer and adoration.
• We get more than a glimpse of God when we receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion.

With faith we can see what we cannot see with our eyes, hear with our ears or touch with our hands.  The little girl in the womb knew there was more to what she could see, hear and touch, and she was right.

On the mountain Peter, James and John looked beyond the appearance of Jesus as, “His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light,” and saw His future risen glory.

May all of us look beyond and see that God is really with us.  God will never leave us on our own.  Then all of us can say what Peter said to Jesus on the mountain, Lord, it is good that we are here!” 

Question of the Day:  Where in your life do you get glimpses of God?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, make me recognize Your greatness and power so that this knowledge may benefit my life. 

Prosit

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director for Retreat Ministry