Seeing God as He Truly Is

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, February 25th, 2024:
Second Sunday of Lent

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Mark
9.2-10
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​Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.

And there appeared to them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter did not know what to say, for they were terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The Gospel for this Sunday is the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James ,and John up a mountain, and there Jesus is transfigured and they see Moses and Elijah, who represent the law and the prophets. We know that Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, so the three of them in one place would be indescribable indeed! 

Faith teaches us that there is a great difference between heavenly reality and earthly reality, and this Gospel is a prime example of that truth. Who on earth would believe you if you said you went up on a mountain and saw a man speaking to two dead people? IF you did see such a thing, would you not want to stay there in the midst of so much holiness? Maybe build some shelters to stay in and simply be in the presence of holiness? This entire experience is extraordinary, perhaps second only to the resurrection of Jesus, and yet it is temporary. It occurs as a brief moment in the Gospel – important, yes but brief. Why? 

In my own experience, it is brief because the extraordinary events in life that may be compared to this are brief! My life is made up of small, seemingly inconsequential daily events. My life has its share of sadness, difficulties, struggles, and hardships that reveal to me the true depth of my love for and faith in Jesus Christ! It is easy for me to love God in the good times or “mountaintop experiences,” but what is my relationship with Jesus like when I am struggling, anxious, confused, angry, or sad? I may not want to build a tent and remain there in those difficulties but it is exactly in those moments that I see God’s love, mercy, care, and salvation! I only see them if I am trusting in Him and observing Him. I can honestly say, my instinct in those moments is to get through the struggle and then forget about it, but in doing so I miss the time I can spend in union with Jesus, growing in faith and experiencing His presence. 

Can I examine my past difficulties to see His work? In this examination, I may open myself to future challenges in a way that will keep me united to Him and be open to recognizing the heavenly reality of God present and at work in my daily joys AND struggles.




Sister Teresa MacDonald

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