Saturday February 19/22

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Today's Gospel (Mk 9:2-13) is one of encouragement. Peter, James and John go up the mountain with Jesus, and He is transfigured before them: his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them." Moses the lawgiver and Elijah the prophet appear and converse with Jesus. For a moment, Peter, James and John are given a glimpse of Jesus' glory as the heavenly Son of Man, in Whom the law and prophets are fulfilled. The Father's powerful voice resounds, "This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him." Coming down the mountain, Jesus commands them to say nothing of this to anyone until He, "the Son of Man has risen from the dead." What Peter, James and John witnessed on the mountain was a gift - to strengthen their faith and encourage them for the days ahead. Jesus, the long-awaited Son of Man, would be crucified. It would appear as though the hopes and dreams of His followers were dashed to pieces. Indeed, the Gospel of John tells us the apostles locked themselves indoors in fear (Jn 20:19), even after reports that Jesus had risen.

Jesus is risen and victorious over evil. I can't help but grieve over what is happening in my nation. Evil appears to be triumphing. But I believe it is no accident that the story of Jesus' transfiguration appears as today's Gospel reading. With hope in my heart, I will hold my tongue (and keyboard) from adding to insults and curses beginning to fly among neighbours, as James enjoins us in the first reading. (Jas 3:1-10) As I behold, like David in Psalm 12, the Godlessness, lies and deceit of our times, I too will hold fast as he did, to God's sure promises:

"Help, O LORD! for no one now is dutiful; faithfulness has vanished from among the children of men.
Everyone speaks falsehood to his neighbour; with smooth lips they speak, and double heart.

...The promises of the LORD are sure, like tried silver, freed from dross, sevenfold refined.
You, O LORD, will keep us and preserve us always from this generation."

I take great comfort this morning in Risen Jesus' words to his fearful disciples - to paraphrase, these things had to happen so that a much greater good than any of them ever imagined could emerge to transform their lives and the world:

"'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.' Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'"(Lk 24:44-47)

God is faithful; He is not finished with this nation. I will trust Him today, knowing that He has much work for us to do in spreading the Good News of Jesus His Risen Son to a people who thirst for His justice and hope.

Watch over us, who trust in You, Lord. Grant us Your peace, while we wait now with faith-filled expectation, knowing that You are renewing all things in Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021922.cfm 

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