The biblical event in this weekend’s Gospel is the celebration of the transfiguration of Jesus. After Jesus performs a series of miracles and foretells His own death, the disciples become worried that their Savior and leader would leave them. Left with this awful feeling of such great loss, Jesus leads three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, to a “high mountain.” On this mountain, Jesus is seen by the three all dazzling, radiant, and with a divine presence. He is assuring these three that His leaving is not an end, but a beginning. A beginning of new ministry, a beginning of unknowns, and the birth of the church which these three and the other disciples will faithfully begin.. The three no longer are fearful, afraid, or upset about Jesus’ leaving. They know they too will one day enjoy His heavenly presence forever. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and manifestation of His glory, which Jesus possessed prior to coming to earth in the human body. Transfiguration before these three gave them hope that despite Jesus being taken away, they would, with His help, be the leaders of His church. I am sure they had no idea what was in store for them or how they would suffer on account of Jesus once He left. Surely though, the memory of what they saw take place on this mountain, gave them the stimulus to move forward knowing what they would share in in the end. Life is often is difficult for us. Our sense of security, illness, retirement, and our own mortality can lead to all kinds of questions and fears. However, keeping the Transfiguration in mind despite how challenging and difficult life can sometimes be, Jesus assures us He will never leave us orphaned and reminds us of the joy, glory, and dazzling beauty which await each of us in the next life. Finally, a reminder that the Stations of the Cross are prayed after all our weekend Masses. As you walk the road in these prayers to Calvary as did Jesus, we can be reminded that we have a God who has walked the walked and understands our deepest fears. God Bless, Fr. Roach
