Sunday, March 17, 2019
Second Sunday of Lent
Saint Patrick, Bishop – Optional Memorial
Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Luke 9:33
Pedro estaba emocionado, quizá más que nunca en su vida. De hecho, decir que estaba emocionado es, sin duda, quedarse corto. ¡Tal vez sería más apropiado decir que estaba sobrecogido! ¿Por qué? ¡Porque acababa de recibir un pequeño atisbo de la gloria y el esplendor de Dios!
This is the Transfiguration. Jesus took Peter, James and John and they went up a high mountain together. These three Apostles had no idea what was coming. Most likely while on the way they were complaining interiorly, wondering why they had to go up the mountain. But the mountain is a symbol of our upward journey to Heaven. It takes focus and drive, commitment and resolve to go there, and it’s an elevated place, a place away from the ordinary occurrences of life.
So they were on this difficult climb up the mountain and suddenly they stopped in shock and awe. They saw before their eyes Jesus changed in a glorious way, His clothing being whiter than any white they had ever seen. And Moses and Elijah, the great Law-giver and the great Prophet, were there before them conversing with Jesus.
And what was going on in Peter’s head? What was he experiencing? He was experiencing a small glimpse of the glory and splendor of God. Jesus, who up until this moment had kept His divinity veiled, lifted the veil ever so slightly. And with the lifting of that veil, His divinity shone through brighter than anything this world could ever contain. And Peter, James and John did not know what to think. But Peter cried out that he wanted to build three tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah! For within that momentary experience, he experienced the desire to remain there forever.
Entonces, ¿por qué les concedió Jesús a estos Apóstoles esta brevísima experiencia de su gloria? Porque necesitarían ese anticipo de su bondad para el camino que tenían por delante. Necesitarían recordar siempre cuál era su destino final. Necesitarían guardar muy cerca del corazón esta experiencia mientras soportaban las muchas cruces y sufrimientos que les esperaban. Y se servirían de esta experiencia para recordar que valía la pena soportar todo cuanto tuvieran que afrontar en el camino de ascenso por la montaña de la vida. Porque en la cumbre hay una gloria tan grande que ninguna dificultad que tuvieran que soportar resultaría jamás demasiado grande.
Dios quiere darnos ese mensaje a través de ellos. Quiere que meditemos sobre esta experiencia que vivieron y que intentemos adentrarnos en ella, para que también nosotros podamos seguir adelante de buena voluntad durante el camino.
Reflexiona hoy, al comienzo de la Cuaresma, sobre la gloria de Dios, que hace que valga la pena soportar todas nuestras cruces. Aprovecha esta experiencia de Pedro, Santiago y Juan e intenta hacerla tuya. Encuentra consuelo en la gloria de Dios y nunca olvides que esta es la promesa definitiva que Él hace a todos los que siguen adelante.
Lord, may I be consoled by Your glory and splendor. May I believe in this glory and keep it ever in my mind as I press on through the hardships and challenges I face. You travel the road ahead of me and You will lead me on my journey if I only trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You!
40 Days at the Foot of the Cross – Reflection Eleven – Living in Exile
Reflexiones sobre la Divina Misericordia
Saint of the Day – Saint Patrick
Prayer – Breastplate of Saint Patrick
