Second Sunday of Lent
February 20, 2005
Matthew 17:1-9

After a week of Lent, we are given a foretaste of Easter. This anticipation of the resurrection happens at the end of a short journey, which in itself symbolizes our lifelong endeavor: climbing up to the top of a mountain.

A triple symbolism permeates the scene. Our life is a journey, Lent is a journey, and in both we attempt to climb a height that appears excessive. The gospel text emphasizes that Jesus led the disciples to a mountain that was “very high.”

Jesus leads. The climb is “by invitation only,” for the three disciples have been explicitly selected in advance. The gift of the vision is not a reward, but a challenge and a responsibility. Peter, James and John are three of the first four who, for no clear reason, become close to Jesus in an extraordinary way. Peter will be like a foundation stone that carries the whole weight of the house. James will be the first to die for Jesus before the mission has begun to bear fruit. John will have to carry the burden of this earthly life longest along with numerous visions of plagues, catastrophes, martyrdoms and tribulations.

We need to understand that the anticipation of transfigured life can be only transitory and short in this life. Peter's proposal to build a permanent abode and live forever in the on-going experience of the risen Lord is sheer nonsense. Dwelling with heavenly beings is not for the here and now; we must live with Moses and Elijah as the “Law and Prophets,” not as companions. Peter has mistaken the ecstasy of the moment for a way of life that cannot be had on this earth. Daily reality is like Lent, for the Easter of our expectations is beyond this life. But once in a while we realize how good and sweet God's grace is, and we obtain new strength for the rest of the journey.

For Moses, introduced into the Lord's intimacy (Ex 33:12-17), had assurance enough for his journey of forty years. Elijah received food and was able to continue his journey of "forty days and forty nights" till he arrived to the mountain of his vision (1 Kings 19:8). We approach the Eucharistic Lord, and in the strength of that bread we are enabled to make the rest of the journey that still lies ahead of us.

 [