Becoming fully awake

Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:17—4:1; Luke 9:28b-36

Summary

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. [The disciples] becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. A cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent (LK 9:28b-31, 32b, 34b-36a).

Our gospel portion today is about knowing – be awake to – the Glory, the Exodus and the Divine Work ahead (crucifixion) in Jerusalem. A knowing that is so deeply felt that it renders us silent.

The Readings

The first reading from Genesis, brings us the certainty of promise and blessing – large (in scope), expansive (demonstrative), voluminous (quantity).

The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness (Gen 15:5-6).

To which we can say, be fully awake – The Lord promises and he delivers.

The second reading likewise offers the certainty of promise and blessing. Changing our very selves from a bodily process of decay to a glorified body as witnessed in the Transfiguration.

He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.(Phil 3:21).

To which we can say, be fully awake – The Lord promises and he delivers.

The responsorial is another way offers the certainty of promise and blessing. Like Abram, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John, we seek to see his face and for him to journey with us (the Tent is a resting place when on a journey).

He will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock. “Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”; your face, LORD, do I seek! (PS 27:5a, 8).

To which we can say, be fully awake – The Lord promises and he delivers.

The Transfiguration

In this account of the life of Jesus Christ, we can see his glory and hear the Father’s voice.

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” (LK 9:35). We remember from Jesus’ baptism the same voice: and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”(LK 3:22).

To which we can say, be fully awake – The Lord promises and he delivers.

Being Woke for Jesus

This is the revelation of faith. The Transfiguration allows us to be aware of the glory, power and honor due the Lord – yes – but more the invitation to join him on his exodus and he joining our exodus from slavery to freedom. Freedom beyond freedom.

Look up at the sky and count the stars!

Being Woke for Justice

Sorry, it must be said. We must be woke for justice and combat injustice with mercy and prayer. 99.99999999% of the WOKE agenda is spot on Jesus’ way. The other 0.00000001% is nonsense. Popular culture is not wrong (even if a bit crazy). If you remain overcome by sleep then birds of prey swooped down and took the glory from you.

Personal Blog writings on the Transfiguration

https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2020/03/12/transfiguration/
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/08/06/the-mission-happens-to-have-a-church/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry