Transform for Jesus

HOMILY: Second Sunday of Lent

Luke 9: 28-36

13 March 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

I like coffee. When I eat a big meal, I always have a cup of coffee with some sugar. I can never drink pure black coffee. Others take their coffee in the morning and cannot seem to function without it. They are grumpy without their morning cup and if they skip it, become even more irritable throughout the day. Oddly enough, I don’t need coffee in the morning. I prefer hot chocolate or some tea. We all have our rituals and preferences because we are creatures of habit. We love to do the same things again and again. We eat the same food, watch the same TV shows. (The Broken Marriage Vow), etc. However, when we are content and satisfied with what is familiar, we tend to become quite resistant to change. Kung sanay ka nang magkape sa umaga, masisiyahan ka ba kung orange juice lang ang available? Change is often uncomfortable and change promises difficulties. We resist and refuse to succumb to it, but we know, change can be necessary for our growth and maturity. 

Today’s Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent is the story of the Transfiguration wherein, Peter, James and John get a glimpse of the glory of Jesus. Peter is depicted in the reading as someone who was tempted to remain on the mountain and to stay put: “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here…” (Luke 9:33) Transfiguration comes from the words “trans” meaning “beyond” this world and “figures”. This suggests that what Peter, James and John witnessed was something otherworldly! Peter was overwhelmed and in awe of what he witnessed that he wanted to prolong it and remain in that beautiful moment. That glimpse into the glory of Jesus was proof that He was of divine and powerful nature. Peter was okay to live on that mountain forever, safe from the uncertainties, trials, and difficulties they faced on a day-to-day basis.  Jesus knew this and discouraged him. Jesus knew that if they remained, He could not fulfill His mission. 

While Peter is eager to stay and get settled, the message of Jesus’ Transfiguration suggests a contrasting challenge to those who follow Him. The disciples realise that they cannot simply stay where it is safe and comfortable — they must go back down the mountain and be integrated into their society as changed men — better men, braver men, with a certitude that all that must come to pass, though difficult all will end for the glory of God.  Yes, brothers and sisters, when we have the experience of Jesus, we cannot simply sit back, stay put and be content with the status quo. The one who truly listens to Jesus’ words, the one who takes heed of Jesus’ teachings cannot just stay and remain the same. We are all challenged to go down the mountain of complacency in order to witness to others what we have heard from Jesus. Not all of us are asked to be preachers. Not all of us will have the chance to lead and inspire multitudes but we must all, in our capacity, live out the demands of that Holy Voice that directs us where to go… and what Jesus wants us to do. 

As followers of Jesus, our journey to our own transformation inside and out will never be an easy one. At times we may have to lose ourselves in the process of this self-transformation. There are those who grew up wealthy and comfortable but upon knowing Jesus, opted for a life of poverty and simplicity that they may care better for the needy around them. Some of them have already been rewarded with sainthood, like St. Francis of Assisi. On a larger scale, we are bound to encounter difficulties for standing up and being outright vocal in setting right what is wrong in our midst. Servant leaders who battle the norm of corruption in government are often the target of gossips, criticisms and intrigues.  Their integrity is questioned so it takes a lot out of them to hold fast to their principles and pursue their efforts to stop corrupt practices.  Indeed, transformation journeys can be quite painful and costly.  

The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is meant to encourage us to hope for our own transformation (including those whom we feel are beyond redemption). It is intended to embolden us to be steadfast through all the many challenges brought about by the process of spiritual growth and maturity. It is designed to make us hopeful for the glory for which we are all destined as followers of Jesus. We read from Genesis today about Abram who is invited to look up at the stars and seeing them all is asked to believe that his descendants will be more numerous than all the stars in the sky.  Abram is also promised a great land to possess for him and his descendants. Both of these are signs of God’s abundant blessings, but Abram and his wife are too old to have a child and the prospect of having land seems remote. But Abram believed in God’s promises and God did not fail him. God will certainly not fail us either. We just have to place our hope and trust in Him. 

My contemporaries have all turned golden this year. Turning 50 heralds a decade of transitions, many of them involving physical changes. Ibang-iba na rin ang mga pinag-uusapan namin sa mga pagtitipon. The conversations I hear among our circle of friends centres on receding hairlines, more grey hairs, weaker eyesight, growing larger sideways (nowhere to go but sideways), maintenance medicines, wrinkles and body aches all over. There are obviously physical changes and these changes are natural. Eventually, we will become forgetful as we age, maybe even makulit. Who knows? So, there is no need to feel stressed about them. However, through these changes, we still find purpose to life, and with more knowledge and experience behind us, we continue to live out the mission God has given us through our professions, vocations, and status in life — whether, married, single, or in the religious life. 

Today we are reminded that we must strive to be brave and work hard to overcome our propensity to remain in our comfort zones. It is through the conversion of our hearts… or changes for the better that we can ensure we are on the right path to Jesus. It is our hope that this path will lead us to an eternal glory that is our destiny as beloved sons and daughters of God!