Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. We are all invited to reflect on the readings today which speak of our journey together from July 1, 2019 until today…for over 6 years. Together we climb the mountain of the Altar of God as we celebrate the Traditional Latin or Extraordinary Form mass every Sunday.
Do you remember at the main altar next to the crucifix at the Holy Spirit Mission Church, what were the two words written on that altar mural? Those two inspiring words are the most significant reminder which make me able to walk with you and persevere as your priest. Those words impact me so much every time I offer mass for you. I stared with passion as I raised the host and the chalice during the consecration. No doubt that is just like Abraham who wants to see God, yet God instead revealed to him His spoken words of promise. Abraham received a son and numerous blessings from the land, except to see God in person, but only see through His words.
God has given me these two words: Grace and Mercy. It is sentimental to uncover the meaning of the words so that you may understand.
Coming here at Holy Spirit Mission, God has given me the Grace. No doubt that among the many priests, Bishop Randolph Calvo, DD appointed me to this special ministry. I have relied on God’s grace to celebrate the Latin Mass with such beauty and dignity worthy of the eyes of God. I have struggled to learn and to memorize all those Latin prayers which I never thought as a priest to start learning Latin words, the rubrics of the Extraordinary Form, which is the “Traditions Custodes.” I know I have made some mistakes, but I always find consolation in what my professors told me, “Ecclesia Supplet”, which means “The Church supplies.” Everything is grace from God who sustains me through all the years of my ministry and service.
Mercy is a magic word to remind me as I lead my flock, that I need to have mercy in my heart, like the Heart of our Merciful God. A call to mercy is “to be gracious and show favor.” It is God’s gracious gift and at the same time a favor that is shown to me. I believe I cannot be merciful unless God granted me some favor to change my personal way of looking at myself and others. This “mercy” which I always contemplate or reflect on gives me a sense of power, that is the power to be merciful.
These words erased from our sight create for me an image of Israel’s God, who I believe deserves more attention than myself and from whom I gain enormous help, love and support.
The gospel today, taken from the gospel of St. Matthew, narrates to us the beautiful story of Jesus’ transfiguration. This is how the three disciples are able to witness that Jesus allowed God, The Father, to touch His human nature being transformed. The cloud enveloped Him and the Divine voice said, “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him”. It is the Father’s command to encourage humanity to heed and abide by Him. The disciples see His face and clothes as dazzling white. This experience of dazzling brightness became the state of Peter, James and John’s hearts and minds so differently. The three apostles understand that following Jesus will involve suffering, yet transfigured to an intense attraction to their Master. They were tempted to remain there putting up three tents for their own selfishness.
Let us reflect on three important points in the story of Transfiguration:
First, Jesus’ invitation to His three apostles is a moment of comfort in order to prepare for what is ahead. In the liturgy of the Church, it says that during Jesus’ transfiguration, “He revealed his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses … that the scandal of the Cross might be removed from the hearts of his disciples and that he might show how in the Body of the whole Church is to be fulfilled what so wonderfully shone forth first in its Head.” That was a teaching point of Jesus to His apostles, who understood that His impending death on the Cross should not cause them fear but a manifestation that His glory with the testimony of Moses, representing the law, and Elijah, representing the Prophet, is to be listened to. This also would give us a clearer understanding that Christ’s passion will finally result in Jesus’ Resurrection, and that glory is ours too.
Second, His disciples wanted to build three tents for their pleasure to remain there on top of the mountain. I would be in a greater scene of seeking personal glory. The disciples have this sense of requesting selfish possession of Jesus’ glory and truth. Just like some of us, we have an increasing “entitlement” which flows from a sense that we deserve only the glorious intimate experiences of relationships because we have power and wealth. We believe that life is owed to us and not from God. We must accept that in Jesus’ coming down from that mountain and heading towards Jerusalem, we cannot escape His walk towards Calvary. Rather we are encouraged to live more with Jesus faithfully.
Third, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus enlightened us that in the midst of our struggles to overcome criticism, slander and hate, we must listen to Jesus. Through Jesus, we have seen God’s presence, not anymore God who hides but God who came in the flesh, who has destroyed death and promises the power of the Resurrection. We are empowered to see Him thru our eyes of faith that truly see.
This is the Goodnews which is comforting. We should never stop giving thanks to God, who keeps us faithful ascending to the Mount of Transfiguration. He has shown us His majesty of His glory in faith without wavering and renewed in a sense of Jesus’ love for us.
With deep joy and gratitude to God, I sincerely hand upon you those two eternal words in my heart, that wherever you are, always be reminded of God’s Grace and Mercy. May these two lasting words create reverberating sounds in everyone’s heart and mind. Until we meet again, let us keep one another in prayer, especially your new priest Canon Moreau.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
