February 21, 2016
2nd Sunday of Lent
On the mountain, while praying, the face of Jesus changes in appearance and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear conversing with Jesus. Peter, James & John, overcome by sleep, become fully awake. A cloud engulfs them and they hear the voice of God: “This is my chosen Son, listen to him.†Then silence. Jesus is alone with his three companions.
What happened on the mountain? Would sophisticated sensors placed there detect any intensity of light and sound? Neurologist, those who study the mind, may suggest it is an “altered state of consciousness†when one has a heightened sense of insight/awareness that has a trance or dreamlike quality that is similar to the phenomenon experienced by the disciples. Just a week ago scientists were giddy with excitement over validation of Einstein’s theory of relativity with detection of gravitational waves emanating from the convergence of two black holes in distant space and past time. Black holes gobble up stars and planets leaving no trace of light. But sensors picked up “the sound of G waves.†I asked my nephew John Paul about the “sound†played in the newscast. “What you heard was an audible representation of the compression and stretching of space-time as measured by the distortion/interruption of laser beams in a vacuum tunnel.†Whatever that means -- it is amazing. The point is -- the scientific community accepts this simulated sound as confirmation of Einstein’s theory and proof of black holes in the universe that we cannot see but know they are there indirectly because their influence on gravity.
Peter, James and John, once awakened, see God’s glory shining in and through Jesus. Moses and Elijah appear as if to say: “Jesus fulfills the Law and prophets.†God’s voice affirms the special relationship of Father-Son and the path Jesus is taking to Jerusalem to announce the Kingdom of God in the Holy City. The vision Peter, James and John see, and the voice they hear, will sustain the disciples during the difficult days ahead with the arrest, crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross. The miraculous vision/voice on the Mount of Transfiguration will strengthen their faith and kindle hope of resurrection.
Special altered states of consciousness may be more common than we imagine. Awhile back in St. Brendan Church, in Almond, Joan asked to say something to the small community gathered for Friday morning Mass. We listened attentively to hear Joan tell us she was seeing angels! She was sincere and convinced angels were coming to her. On Monday morning before morning Mass I received a phone to anoint Joan who had just collapsed feeding the chickens in the backyard. On Tuesday I opened the mail and found a note from Joan requesting Masses to be celebrated for her late husband and son. It would seem Joan had a premonition or, in her words: visiting “angels†– messengers from God.
During the season of Lent we take the “Transfiguration on the Mountain†as a precious moment of awareness. The voice of God heard by the three disciples gives direction and assurance to the path they will take with Jesus. “This is my chosen Son, listen to him.†Lent is a time for seeing and listening to light and sound of mystery that is not immediately apparent yet fundamental to our existence. “Listen to him.â€
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5th Sunday of Lent (C)
