Walking towards our Future Glory

Readings: 1st: Gen 12:1-4; Ps 32:4-5. 18-22; 2nd: 1 Tim 1:8-10; Gos: Mat 17:1-9

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, or canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today is the second Sunday of Lent. Through his transfiguration, Christ reveals to us the glory that would be ours if we remain faithful and triumphant. He encourages us to be strong and courageous in our journey this season of Lent.

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In the first reading, God made a Promise to Abraham and blessed him: “I will make you a great nation…I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.” What is the condition for these blessings to be fulfilled? Abraham had to respond to God’s command and call effectively: “Leave your country for the land I will show you.” In order words, his part of the covenant was to obey God’s command by accepting his difficult mission.

We are usually very fast to claim Abraham’s blessings and glory. This is good. However, it is essential to note that the necessary condition for claiming this blessing is obedience to God’s will and response to his call and mission for us.

This is not easy. At times, it demands that one must leave behind something important. It may require one to do something extraordinary. In short, responding to the call must make you “leave” your comfort zone. This is the condition for receiving Abraham’s blessing. It is for those who remain steadfast to God’s will and obey his commands.

In the second reading, Paul encourages us to: “bear the hardship for the sake of the good news.” It is the grace of God that sustains us to respond fully to our call. This grace which existed “before the beginning of time and creation,” was revealed by the appearance of Jesus Christ. So, we must look up to this ancient grace, Christ, who has guaranteed our future glory through his death and resurrection.

Today’s gospel is on the Transfiguration of Christ. Through it, Christ reveals himself and his future glory to us. Most importantly, with the transfiguration, Christ reveals one of the constants of human life to us. There is no life without death, joy without pain, and regeneration without destruction. All take place at the same time. Hence, his future glory is for those who have washed pure in the blood of the Lamb. It is for those who have “suffered” for the sake of the good news (Rev 12:11).

Peter’s amazement and statement: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here,” is interesting. However, he was wrong and was only human. No, it was not yet time to rest or enter the fullness of this glory. “A luta continua, vitória é certa” (The struggle continues, and victory is certain through Christ). The transfiguration drama reminds us that we shall be among the triumphant church if we work hard and remain faithful to God’s call and command. This glory is only a glimpse of the future glory of our final destination.

So, to share in Christ’s glory, we must first walk with him to Calvary. Also, if we want to share in Abraham’s blessings and praise, we must instead be ready to “leave something” behind (Gen 12). If we want a double portion of Elijah’s anointing and spirit, first, we must contend with and overcome the Jezebel and Ahab of our time (I Kg 19). If we want the prophetic power and glory of Moses, first, we must struggle against and overcome the Pharaoh of this earthly kingdom (Ex 6: 13).

Today’s glory should serve as the “activation energy” that motivates us to walk toward our final destination. The journey is not yet over, and honestly, not easy. However, Christ is with us. So, He encourages and tells us: “Do not be afraid!”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!