HOMILY, THURSDAY 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR
Daniel 7:9-10.13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9.
TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD.
We live in a society where the majority are ignorant of their unique life call. Many would preferred to stay with crumbs that fall from the table of corrupt politicians than being part of the art of governance. Some are contented with the cut of rice and kobo that they receive during election campaign, and as such sell their birthright as a result of empty political propaganda orchestrated as mere official falsehood.
On a positive note, Peter took the same posture though towards the right person, Jesus. In our today’s gospel, he said, “Lord, it is well we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4.
Interesting, he did not bother about himself and the other brothers. They are fine with the radiance of the glory of the moment. Anyway, Jesus can grant this wish if it matches his Father’s will. It is just that they must follow due process so as to attain the glory to come.
However, Peter’s wish was a beautiful one, though made in ignorance. It is beautiful to share in glory of Christ, if and only if we know the conditions for the glory. The glory of God is not about enjoying moments of leisure or by sitting momentarily on the soft side of life. It is about a life lived in service. It is about sacrifice. It is not just a mountainous experience. Unlike corrupt politicians who deceive people with their beautiful but empty promises, Jesus would always hit the nail in the head. He is always honest and sincere about his mission and the mission of those who must follow him. They must share in his suffering. They must carry their cross and follow him. Here, the gospel of prosperity must accommodate the theology of the cross.
“Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9
With his cross in view, Jesus took a journey to the mountain to inquire from his Father whether his hour had come or not. While he was there with three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, there appeared to him Moses, the greatest of the law giver and Elijah, the greatest of the prophet. They both attested to the mission which he was about to accomplish. God the Father too made his presence felt in the cloud and spoke as in a light. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.”
Moreover, the journey to the cross was very crucial to Jesus. That was why he came. Yet, he needed approval from his Father. We are expected to take a leaf from the Lord. We must not embark on any important thing in our lives without hearing from God. Most importantly why Jesus was wrapped in glory, he did not lose the sight of the suffering that awaited him.
Physical experiences are but the manifestation of spiritual reality. We need divine approval before we embark on every important task in our lives. We must not force God to bend to our will. We must follow his own will. It is better to seek in his face in all things we do than to be pleading our case after we must have done our own bidding.
PRAYER
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant we pray, to your servants, that listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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