This week I want to share a few thoughts and verses that struck me from this past Sunday's Mass.
FEAR
From the first reading:
As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram,
and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.
When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces.
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram…
Gen 15:12, 17-18
From the psalm:
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
Ps 27:1
I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Ps 27:13-14
From the gospel:
While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
Luke 9:34-36
I noticed that the first reading, the psalm, and the gospel all mention fear, but different types of fear. Something interesting to meditate on!
SCANDAL
In the homily, my priest mentioned the “scandal of the cross.” That Jesus had appeared transfigured to Peter, John, and James in order to remove from their hearts the scandal of the cross. To show them a moment of glory; a moment of sanctification that is our goal.
I had never heard this before. We are so used to the Crucifixion, because we know the whole story. But now I think about the Apostles - told that their Savior was going to die and not understanding the meaning of it all or what the outcome would be.
It's a really beautiful thing - they have a difficult road ahead of them, so Jesus gives them this consolation and encouragment to help them along.
From the Preface prayer on the Feast of the Transfiguration:
For he revealed his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses
and filled with the greatest splendor that bodily form
which he shares with all humanity,
that the scandal of the Cross
might be removed from the hearts of his disciples
and that he might show
how in the body of the whole Church is to be fulfilled
what so wonderfully shone forth first in its Head.
I love that last part! We are all called to experience that transformation. Our Lord appeared in heavenly glory, which we all are striving to achieve.
