“This is my beloved Son. Listen to
him.” - MK 9:2-10
The readings on this Second Sunday
of Lent invite us to climb the mountain with Jesus and lean on Him for
strength. The word ‘transfigure’ implies a complete and genuine change from
within, not a superficial one. During Lent, we are called to seek a type of
transfiguration in our own lives and allowing this conversion to lead us into
greater stewardship. It asks of us, “How
is God calling me to see things in a new way?”
Climbing the mountain is neither
straightforward nor easy. It must be done intentionally, willingly, and
lovingly. The story of the Transfiguration can be seen as an assurance that
when life gets tough and when the burden becomes heavy, God is always there
waiting to help. But He will never force His way into our lives. We need to
give Him permission to do something before He does them. It involves prayer,
asking, giving God the okay to help us in the day-to-day trenches, and offering
our wholehearted attention to truly listen.
Listening to God requires us to be
ready to listen. Just as in a conversation, we cannot hear the other person if
we are talking or if our mind is distracted. God speaks to us in so many ways,
through His words, our thoughts, conversations with others, and circumstances.
In silence and reflection, we give our mind and body a chance to slow down and
incorporate awareness, stillness, and peace into our daily lives as well as
increasing our capacity for greater compassion.
By opening my heart and saying the
words, “Jesus, be with me” or “Lord,
I lift up this situation or person up to You,” I found leaning on Him was like salve
being directly applied to the wound. With Him, I am able to carry on situations
that I could not change by breathing in acceptance and breathing out love.
Other times, I have breathed in gratitude and out forgiveness. However, there
are moments where I am not able to muster anything beyond the breath itself,
but the desire to be free of sorrow and disappointment. And in these instances,
He invites me to simply rest with Him.
Lord, open my heart to feel Your compassion.
Reflected by Tam Lontok
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