A Few Words On "The Word"

March 4, 2007
2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C

Luke 9:28b-36

Transfigured Climbing!

A few years ago some friends and I took a trip to Colorado. While there, we were given the opportunity to climb a mountain that soared to an elevation of 14,150 feet. We immediately jumped into a truck and drove high up into the mountains. After camping overnight we pushed even higher in the truck and eventually reached the beginning of a trail that would take us to the top.

Despite our excitement, enthusiasm, the beautiful weather, and the amazing terrain, the climb was very difficult. We stumbled our way up what was basically a giant staircase of rocks, often sliding backwards on the thousands of small pebbles scattered everywhere. There wasn't much oxygen in the air, forcing us to take short breaks every few minutes in our assault on the peak. However, finally, we climbed through a crack in a rock face and were able to walk the few final feet to the top with relative ease.

To merely say that the three hour crawl to the top was worth it would be an understatement. The panoramic view featured a continuous mountain range on one side and a never-ending plain on the other. We basked in our achievement as we ate lunch and took pictures. There was a part of me that wanted to simply stay on the mountaintop and enjoy our accomplishment. Unfortunately we knew that a mountaintop can be a very nasty place during a storm and there were clouds gathering on the horizon. We finished our lunch and began the long slide back down the mountain.

Today's gospel reading takes place on top of a smaller mountain. Jesus, Peter, James, and John have climbed their own mountain to offer Jesus some privacy to pray. As usual, Peter, James, and John immediately fall asleep and awake to find Jesus clothed in dazzling white and talking to Moses and Elijah! In his excitement, Peter suggests that they put up tents and stay forever. However, they hear God's voice from a cloud telling them to listen to Jesus. Moses and Elijah disappear and Jesus, Peter, James, and John return to the real world.

You can probably relate to my experience of a mountain climb of Peter's experience upon a spiritual mountaintop. We often take part in retreats, institutes, activities, or mission trips that make us realize how incredible it is to live in communion with other passionate believers. Usually we never want these mountaintop experiences to end. However, the Church calls us to return to society and use what we have learned to help others on their own faith journey.

Lent is a time for climbing a mountain. Through our Lenten actions and reflections we come to understand who God wants us to be and the amazing sacrifice Jesus makes to assure our salvation. When Easter comes we will be overjoyed and want to bask in the resurrection forever. Nevertheless, we must realize that it is our Lenten journey of transfiguration and the continual promise of Easter that enables us to bring peace, love, and justice to those most in need.

Reflection Question

In what ways have your "mountaintop" experiences shaped your faith and strengthened your call to serve others?

What are some amazing and unexpected things that have happened in your life after leaving a "mountaintop" experience?

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