This Second of Lent, we hear the beautiful encounter upon the mountain of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus invited his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John to experience and see this awesome meeting with Moses and Elijah. The Gospel goes on to tell us that they were bathed in some sort of light. There also was a cloud, but it was no ordinary cloud. It was bright, yet it cast a shadow over them! A voice came from that cloud, but it was no ordinary voice. The voice told them to listen. Peter is babbling a bit in his lack of understanding. He comes with this line, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” What in the world would a tent do not only for Jesus but of two figures who have long died and gone to heaven. Finally Peter stops and listens along with James and John. He finally witnesses and hears what the Lord wanted Him to hear. Have you ever encountered something mysterious in your life that you still cannot understand or know why? Through our life journey, we will encounter mysteries that we do not understand. Some will involve pain, hardship, and even injustice. The temptation is that we want to reach conclusions about these unexplained experiences in life as we go on crying, sometimes complaining, or just being angry because we don’t understand why. I would suggest to all of us like Peter, James, and John, listening, trusting, and waiting may prove the better course. After all, how can we ever forget a God who not only sent us Himself in the person of Jesus, but has promised reward to all of who remain faithful and wait. One of my favorite poets and writers is John Milton, the author of works like Paradise Lost, L’Allegro, de doctrina Christianae, and numerous poems and sonnets. In sonnet 19, often entitled On My Blindness, John Milton regrets that due to the loss of his eyesight, he feels useless now as he can no longer write . He feels if he is not seeking and doing he is pretty much a failure now in his old age. However, in the sonnet he comes to the conclusion that God really doesn’t need anybody’s works or words. God is God and He needs no one. His very beautiful conclusion and realization comes in the very last line of Sonnet 19 – “THEY ALSO SERVE WHO ONLY STAND AND WAIT.” Be patient, listen, and wait in the Lord! Fr. Roach
