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
Labis ang pananabik ni Pedro, marahil higit pa sa anumang naranasan niya noon. Sa katunayan, kulang na kulang ang sabihing nanabik lamang siya. Mas angkop marahil na sabihing halos hindi niya makayanan ang tindi ng kanyang nadarama! Bakit? Sapagkat pinagkalooban lamang siya ng isang napakaliit na sulyap sa kaluwalhatian at karilagan ng Diyos!
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.
Kaya bakit ipinagkaloob ni Jesus sa mga Apostol na ito ang napakaikling karanasang ito ng Kanyang kaluwalhatian? Sapagkat kakailanganin nila ang munting paglasap na iyon ng Kanyang kabutihan para sa landas na tatahakin nila. Kakailanganin nilang alalahanin magpakailanman kung ano ang kanilang panghuling hantungan. Kakailanganin nilang ingatan sa kanilang puso ang karanasang ito habang tinitiis nila ang maraming krus at pagdurusang naghihintay sa kanila. At gagamitin nila ang karanasang ito upang ipaalala sa kanilang sarili na sulit ang anumang kailangan nilang tiisin sa pag-akyat sa bundok ng buhay. Sapagkat sa tuktok ay may kaluwalhatiang napakadakila na walang hirap na kailangan nilang tiisin ang magiging napakabigat upang hindi nila makayanan.
Nais ng Diyos na ipaabot sa atin ang mensaheng iyon sa pamamagitan nila. Nais Niyang pagnilayan natin ang karanasan nilang ito at sikaping makibahagi rito upang tayo rin ay kusang-loob na magpatuloy sa ating paglalakbay.
Pagnilayan ngayon, sa simula ng Kuwaresma, ang kaluwalhatian ng Diyos na siyang dahilan kung bakit sulit ang lahat ng krus na ating tinitiis. Humugot ng lakas sa karanasang ito nina Pedro, Santiago at Juan, at sikaping maranasan din ito sa iyong sariling buhay. Hayaang aliwin ka ng kaluwalhatian ng Diyos at huwag kalilimutan na ito ang pinakadakilang pangakong ibinibigay Niya sa lahat ng nagpapatuloy.
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
Higit pang mga Pagninilay sa Ebanghelyo
Mga Pagninilay sa Inaawit na Awa ng Diyos
Saint of the Day – Saint Patrick
Prayer – Breastplate of Saint Patrick
