"HEAVENLY SUMMIT"

Grand Lady Bridgett Vavasseur

The Second Sunday of Lent

"Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves" (Mk. 9: 2-10).

The Gospel for the second Sunday of Lent is from Mark 9: 2-10, the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This occurrence is well documented. Besides Mark, we hear it in Matthew 17: 1-13 and Luke 9:28-36. I have wondered what Jesus, Moses, and Elijah discussed during this Transfiguration. What is the lesson that we could learn from it? Why does Peter want to cling to the Old Testament way of homage? Is the lesson for us what Abraham knew: peak experiences are given only to motivate the journey of faith?

First, let's look at the Transfiguration as an information-gathering summit. Think of when President Joe Biden goes to the G6 in a lofty secret location. He puts on his best suit and takes his most trusted diplomats, who will not divulge information acquired. Afterward, we learn of the accomplishments obtained through diplomacy. 

"And he was transfigured before them,and his clothes became dazzling white,such as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (Mk. 9:3).

Now, back to the Transfiguration. Jesus takes his best men, Peter, James, and John, to a majestic high mountain closest to Father God. This meeting is monumental, so Jesus puts on his best, His Godliness. His white garments are so fresh and so clean because His true self is on display. He is God and without sin, so no stain will ever touch those robes!

The summit meeting is with two titans of the bible, Elijah and Moses. The senior prophets have dealt with every type of human condition for centuries.

Elijah was the Old Testament prophet, defender of the worship of God, and miracle worker. He brought fire from the sky and was resurrected. In the Jewish tradition, Elijah is supposed to return during the End Times. In Islam, he's a messenger of God.

Moses was born a slave and deliverer of the Jews from Egypt. The most important prophet in Judaism. The lawgiver, the receiver of the 10 commandments! Forty years in the desert, dealing with the weak and the ungrateful. Moses is mentioned more in the Quran than any other individual paralleling Muhammad. In the Baha'i Faith, he's the manifestation of God.

Jesus, though God, is relatively new to the human condition.

In last week's gospel, Jesus wrestled with the devil for forty days. In conversing with these men whose lives had touched the entire world, Jesus received a human response to His universal plan of love and the eradication of sin for the world. And above all this, God the Father is watching the proceedings.

Peter, overwhelmed with joy, wants to be part of the conversation. However, he is short-sighted, seeing with human eyes. Father God steps in and reins him back… "Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (Mk. 9:7).

In the Transfiguration, Jesus, the Son of God, in conference with earthly ancestors, strengthened His mission, and the action plan solidified. We are invited to see Jesus as He truly is…the King of creation and the Saver and Savior of the World. "Lord, help me to learn your ways. Show me how you want me to live. Guide me and teach me your truths. You are my God, my Savior" (Ps. 25: 4-6).

Jesus tells the disciples there is more in store, and it will awaken their minds and hearts with unbelievable possibilities. Have Faith. This Lenten season, Jesus is telling us the same today. In the resurrected Christ, faith awareness should encourage us when we are losing direction, doubt, and darkness. Pray. Seek spiritual knowledge. Pray. Ask an elder, your church family, or your spouse. Read and listen to Jesus in scripture. Pray. He can guide your path. The sacrifice of God's beloved Son, Jesus, brought salvation and abundant blessings for all. Salvation is yours; don't be afraid to ask for help.

"Speak to my heart, Lord Give me Your Holy Word. If I can hear from you then I'll know what to do. I won't go alone, never go on my own.Just let Your Spirit guide. And let Your Word abide." ~ Speak to My Heart- Donnie McClurkin

Grand Lady Bridgett Vavasseur

Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Court 121

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church

Los Angeles, California