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 estava entusiasmado, talvez mais do que jamais estivera antes. Na verdade, dizer que ele estava entusiasmado é certamente dizer muito pouco. Talvez seja mais apropriado dizer que ele estava extasiado! Por quê? Porque acabara de receber um pequeno vislumbre da glória e do esplendor de Deus!
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.
Então, por que Jesus concedeu a esses Apóstolos essa brevíssima experiência de Sua glória? Porque eles precisariam desse antegosto de Sua bondade para o caminho que tinham pela frente. Precisariam recordar para sempre qual era o seu destino final. Precisariam guardar essa experiência no coração enquanto suportavam as muitas cruzes e os sofrimentos que os aguardavam. E recorreriam a essa experiência para se lembrar de que valeria a pena tudo o que tivessem de suportar na subida da montanha da vida. Pois, no cume, há uma glória tão grande que nenhuma dificuldade que tivessem de enfrentar jamais seria grande demais.
Deus quer nos transmitir essa mensagem por meio deles. Quer que meditemos sobre a experiência que tiveram e que procuremos entrar nela, para que também nós possamos prosseguir de boa vontade em nossa caminhada.
Reflita hoje, neste início da Quaresma, sobre a glória de Deus, que faz valer a pena todas as cruzes que suportamos. Aproveite essa experiência de Pedro, Tiago e João e procure torná-la sua também. Deixe-se consolar pela glória de Deus e nunca se esqueça de que essa é a promessa definitiva que Ele faz a todos os que perseveram.
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
Mais reflexões sobre o Evangelho
Reflexões sobre a Divina Misericórdia
Saint of the Day – Saint Patrick
Prayer – Breastplate of Saint Patrick
