Written on: February 22, 2013
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent Saint Paul speaks to the Philippians as his ” joy and crown”. Paul considered the people he served to be his true‘crown’. He encourages these friends to stand firm because he treasures them so deeply. If these people were jewels in Paul’s crown, how much more are we all jewels in Jesus’ crown. Each one of us is worth Jesus time and energy — his living and dying.
Our gospel, Luke9:28-36, tells the story of Jesus transfiguration. He took Peter, John and James to the mountain to pray and what a marvelous event happened, His face changed and his clothing became dazzling white. A cloud overshadowed them and they became frightened. The voice said “This is My Chosen Son; listen to Him. In Christ’s suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph we find our truest joy. Do we indeed LISTEN to Him?
Lent can seem long as we climb the mountain and journey with Jesus, but if we listen and take full advantage of this Lent, we will recognize it as it truly is, a GIFT. Lent, literally “spring time” is a gift. This spring time is a time to return to the desert where Jesus spent forty days readying for his ministry. Lent is both gift and opportunity, not a requirement. The church’s springtime is a time when out of sin’s winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.
Just as the Voice on the mountain told Peter, John and James to “LISTEN” each on us needs to “LISTEN” and we will know how precious each one of us is in Jesus eyes.
Sister Kathryn Healy is a nurse by profession and has often worked in health institutions. She served for many years as a pastoral assistant at the prison in Ogdensburg, NY. She presently serves her sisters at the Motherhouse.