HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Hebrews 11:1-7, Mark 9:2-13
THEME: DIVINE CONSULTATION: THE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
“Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus……….. and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.”
QUOTES: The unfolding of divine revelation takes time. Our spiritual encounters are simply glimpses of the divine scripts.
Utmost care ought to be taken prior to making important decisions in life so as to bypass avoidable errors. The euphoria or excitement consequent upon an irrational action which could be fleeting at times, shouldn’t sway us from losing our guard.
Jesus took some time off to have a divine consultation with God as his cross approached. He invited three of his disciples to the mountain for a moment of sober reflection. There appeared to him Moses, the great lawgiver and Elijah, the greatest of all the prophets. Their appearance simply attested to the fact that Jesus was the complete revelation/fulfilment of the law and prophets. This confirmation was validated by the voice of his Father consenting to his choice while he summoned courage to discuss his imminent passion. That encounter assured him that the path of the cross was surely destined for him.
And again, the transfiguration enabled the disciples to see the glory that was attached to his cross. Although, the prediction of his death was disheartening to the disciples, the privilege of witnessing that mountain experience was a tremendous consolation to them. They had also learnt the necessity of divine enquiries and the usefulness of observing a quiet time with the Lord.
The moral of the transfiguration encounter lies in the fact that we should not neglect special moments with the Lord. And if the Lord counts us worthy to walk with him, if he has given us the privilege of having the glimpse of his eternal glory, we must exercise caution lest we misinterpret him. The Lord said to Peter, James, and John to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. That instruction was necessary because they may find it difficult to reconcile the glory of the mountain encounter with Jesus’s announcement of his coming death. They never knew that his glory was in his cross. Their idea of a messiah is that of might and power. Hence, they need time to ponder as the messianic scripts of Jesus plays out.
The unfolding of divine revelation takes time. Our spiritual encounters are simply glimpses of the divine scripts. Therefore, as we seek the Lord’s face, let us pray for understanding of his true nature so that we may enjoy the peace that accompanies his demands.
May the Lord lead us deeper into his mysteries so that we may enjoy our unique space in his court. Amen.
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