Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose,
Every once in a while there is something that occurs in such a way that it is as if I am seeing something clearly to which I once was blind. Usually it has to do with a matter of Faith. I can read a Scripture passage that I have read a thousand times and suddenly I have a new insight that never occurred to me before. Or I can be celebrating Mass, which I have also done thousands of times, and it suddenly goes through my mind that I am holding the Body of Jesus in my hands! How can I be consecrated to help bring about the miracle of the Eucharist? It is all about the amazing grace and mercy that constantly pours out to us from God.
Sometimes this can happen in regards to people. I often pass judgement on others based on first impressions. Then something happens and I realize I have judged and tried them on very little evidence. I see them do something or hear them say something and I see them in a new light as if for the first time.
The Transfiguration of Jesus was an event like this. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. There He was transfigured in their sight. They had am amazing encounter with Jesus, not as they had always seen Him, but as He truly was.
Peter was so caught up in the glory of God that he wanted to stay there and worship always. God the Father speaks to them, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” And all too soon the moment is past. As much as the three apostles long to linger in this moment, it is not to be. They must come down from the mountain. Although they are unaware of it at the time, they are beginning the journey that will lead them to the Cross.
The Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus is August 6. It reminds us of who Jesus truly is and the glory of the Kingdom of God.
In our own faith life, we have moments of grace and clarity. We believe in the God who loves us and we know He is present to us, but these moments are few and all too brief. In our fallen state, we are not able to handle huge doses of the Divine. It is too much for us. But as we grow in our life of faith and virtue, we become more and more aware of the presence of the Lord. We are changed! Our life is a continual conversion: a turning away from sin and turning toward God.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, let us pray that our eyes may be opened to God, who is in our midst. Let us begin the journey that not only leads to the Cross, but to heavenly glory!
Msgr. Cox
Transfiguration, Giovanni Gerolamo Savoldo (1530)