Does it seem odd that during Lent, on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we hear the Gospel about the transfiguration of Jesus? In that story, Peter, James and John are given an energizing and inspiring vision of the Lord in glory. Today we read the Passion account of Matthew where Jesus asks these same three apostles to remain here and keep watch with me as he prays in agony in the garden and begins his passion. Hope cannot live without some idea of resurrection, of glory to come. I have a dream, said MLK. In his Gospel, Matthew places the transfiguration account right after Jesus predicted his passion to his disciples. They did not want to hear it! (Matt 16:21ff) Peter, James and John needed the transfiguration experience to get through the dark days of their holy week. We need Easter’s revelation of resurrection to move through our own dark days. And we are called to give resurrection hope to all the millions of people throughout our world who are going through their dark days. Perhaps you know someone who needs hope of better times ahead? Give hope this week.
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia