Every year on August 6 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration. So why is that special event in the life of Jesus also recounted every year on the Second Sunday of Lent?
Certainly, one reason is the historical memory of the earliest disciples. Peter, James and John recalled this powerfully transforming experience as occurring while they were on their way to Jerusalem and the tragic events there. They experienced a moment of transfiguring light and a taste of glory as they were approaching the darkest days in the life of Jesus and in their own lives as his first disciples. That brief moment of light changed everything for them!
Recalling this event early every Lent is the Church’s way of reminding us that Calvary was not the last word in the life of Jesus. Nor is it the last word in the life of believers. Resurrection is that word, and the transfiguration of Jesus is its promise.
We as individuals, Church and world are always at a different place when we recall the transfiguration on the Second Sunday of Lent every year. So, it speaks to us anew each year.
This year around this date marks a full year of Covid-19! Talk about a year of darkness, dread and death! The stress of the social restrictions, economic setbacks, political upheavals, combined with the deprivation of Church, liturgy and sacraments, has led many of us at times to a very dark place. Only now, with a growing number being vaccinated, is a bit of light beginning to dawn.
If we let it, the gospel account of the transfiguration of Jesus can bring us light, hope and promise, as it did Peter, James and John. Tabor was not only a welcomed pause on their journey to Calvary, it also pointed them to the glory of the resurrection light beyond.
Let the transfiguration speak to each of you as you need it to speak to you at this moment. In whatever darkness you now find yourself, let God’s light shine down upon it, scattering it. Peter speaks for all of us when he cries out: “It is good for us to be here!”
V. Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
