The Mount of Transfiguration is an invitation to listen to Jesus.
Before the Apostles climbed the mountain with Jesus, before the extraordinary transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain took place; six days passed. Not a single word is said about what happened during this six days. We know what happened six days before: Peter was dragging Jesus away – let it never come to you. We can guess that the Apostles did not speak to Jesus for the last six days – such quiet days, sad mornings that happen to us in our relationships with loved ones. By the way, one can ask oneself: Lord Jesus, what happened in our relationship six days ago?
But let us go back to today. What we can read from the Gospel is the attitude of Jesus, who takes with him not ideal but lost disciples, especially Peter. Before Peter, who does not see or understand, because he has his own vision of the Messiah, it is precisely before such a poor Peter that Jesus is transformed and reveals the greatest mysteries of his identity. It shows how close and intimate the bond that unites him to the Father. And the Father with Him. He does not choose as witnesses of an intimate encounter with the Father perfect and understanding Apostles. He chooses as they are – with all their misery and misunderstanding.
Once, when Jesus calls the first disciples, they asked Him: "Where do you live?" And they went to His house. Today it is repeated: Jesus shows where he dwells: he dwells in the Father and the Father in him through total unanimity, one-love. And to this unanimity, this oneness of love, we are invited to be one with the Father through Jesus.
How is this to be done? I do not know what intentions will accompany you when you are invited to choose, decide or undertake a reform of life, reform of previous decisions. But today's Gospel gives a clear indication of how we are to enter into a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus: through listening. Not by acting nervously like Peter: "We will set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter wants to relieve his tension by acting. And the Father says clearly: "Listen to him!" The courage to listen to Jesus. Postpone your activities: the activity of your hands, eyes, tongue, thoughts, imaginations. It is an agreement with what God has prepared for you today and here. And that is enough! Let us ask for one another the courage to listen to Jesus, so that he may be welcomed by us in our hearts like a seed falling on the soil thirsting for love.
Thought from Saint Faustina: “O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for you can do all things”. (Diary 163)
“I knew, more distinctly, than ever before, the Three divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But their being, their equality, and their majesty are one. My soul is in communion with these Three; but I do not know how to express this in words; yet, my soul understands it well. Whoever is united to One of the Three Persons is thereby united to the whole Blessed Trinity, for this Oneness is indivisible. This vision, or rather, this knowledge filled my soul with unimaginable happiness, because God is so great. What I am describing I did not see with me eyes, as on previous occasions, but in a purely interior manner, in a purely spiritual way, independent of the senses”. (Diary 472)
“On Thursday, when I went to my cell, I saw over me the Sacred Host in great brightness. Then I heard a voice that seemed to be coming from above the Host: In the Host is your power; It will defend you. After these words, the vision disappeared, but a strange power entered my soul, and a strange light as to what our love for God consists in; namely, in doing His will.” (Diary 616)
Dear Friends,
Today, we are leaving for Central and South America: Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia.
Please pray for me and all those who will travel with me.
I will contact you as soon as I return, i.e. March 8-9
Until next time
fr. george