March 12, 2017
Second Sunday of Lent
What happens when Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain? When Jesus shines like the sun? When Jesus enters into conversation with Moses and Elijah? When they hear God’s voice: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.†It is similar to an alternate state of consciousness. Pope Benedict writes: “when one has the grace to sense a strong experience of God, it is as though seeing something similar to what the disciples experience during the Transfiguration: For a moment they experience ahead of time something that will constitute the happiness of paradise. In general, it is brief experiences that God grants on occasions, especially in anticipation of harsh trials.†As they are coming down the mountain, Jesus charges his disciples: “Do no not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.†Peter, James and John keep the vision & voice within themselves as they journey with Jesus to the cross.
It captivated me – the cover of Columbia magazine. I am speaking of a photograph of the face of Jesus on the crucifix carved by medieval artisan 700 years ago. For generations it has been an object of devotion but for 75 years it has been isolated from viewing by an elevator shaft in a side chapel of St. Peter Basilica. Recovered, it has been beautifully restored with funding from the Knights of Columbus. Using lenses, lasers, 3-D imaging, solvents and pains taking work, nine layers of paint have been removed to reveal the original corpus sculptured from a seasoned walnut tree. The eyes of Jesus are open. His head is resting on his right shoulder. His mouth is open to allow a last gasp of breath. Jesus is dying. Jesus is looking down at those who are looking up at him. As if to say: “What are you waiting for? Do you see love? Then respond.†At the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the crucifix was publicly displayed at a Mass for Prisoners and a Mass for the Socially Marginalized. Now it is placed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. All who come to encounter and pray to Christ in the Eucharist, will be able to contemplate his image in this crucifix, filled with divine mercy, gentleness and humanity.
Mount of Transfiguration leads to Mt Calvary. It is love that transfigures and transforms!
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First Sunday of Lent
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Third Sunday of Lent
