STEPPING FORWARD INTO DIVINE GLORY

Meditation for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year A

(Gen 12:1-4; 2 Tim 1:8-10; Mt 17:1-9)

Let us meditate on the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. The apostles, Peter, James and John were overwhelmed as Jesus unveiled His glory in their presence. Their joy and fulfilment at that glorious moment reminds us how much the heart of man yearns for glory. Man was created to share in the life of God. from the beginning of creation, man lived in serenity and peace in the Garden without the interference of fear, death, and other human problems until the enemy deceived them. In the mystery of the transfiguration, God has unveiled His glory in our midst through Jesus Christ. We are invited to step forward and experience a glory that is greater than that which existed at the beginning of creation.

Think about how God called Abraham from his own country, his kindred and from his father’s house. He had to step forward and move out of his ‘domain’, and embark on a journey to become a great nation, and a source of blessing for generations to come. It was not an easy journey for Abraham; it was like climbing a high mountain in order to experience the glory of the transfiguration. Though our hearts yearn for glory, but we are so tied down by self-consciousness that we find it difficult to step out of our familiar domain, make the journey of faith, and experience the glory that awaits us in Christ Jesus.

 

However, St Paul gives us a guide on how we can overcome this obstacle that is preventing us from stepping forward in faith like Abraham and climbing the mountain ‘side by side with Jesus’ like Peter, James and John. He says, “Take your share of suffering for the Gospel in the power of God.” Thus, in any area of life we expect to experience glory, we should be ready to accept ‘suffering for the Gospel’ as the key to unlock glory. In our vocations, relationships, family life, work, etc, we shall experience suffering in one way or the other. As we accept the suffering in the name of Jesus and to the glory of God, we are stepping out of our ‘domain’, and climbing the mountain of faith, we enter under the canopy of divine glory. That is why Lent is a glorious moment, for as we take up bodily discipline, our hearts find peace and joy.

 

Meditate on that glorious moment of bliss when the apostles saw the dazzling face of Jesus, His sparkling garments shining like the sun. Think about how all their human weaknesses, fears, ego, possessions, attachments, melted away into the cloud of glory. How powerful and consuming is this glory that Peter said, “Lord, it is well that we are here, if you wish, I wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Yes, whoever steps into this glory, his heart shall be a home for Jesus, where the law and the prophets are fulfilled! And the voice of the Father speaks from this peaceful and overpowering cloud of glory saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”

 

Let us listen to what the Lord God has to say, He speaks peace to His people and to His faithful ones (Ps 85:8). As we experience that silent gentle touch of a spark of divine glory, and hear that powerful but assuring cool voice of divine presence, we shall eagerly step out of our selfish domain, and walk along with Jesus like the apostles. Then, our lives and actions shall bear witness like St Peter that we have experienced the divine glory (2 Pet 1:16-18). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday March 5^th, 2023.

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