The Transfiguration of Our Lord

But since Thou bidst us
leave the mount,
come with us to the plain.

Awestruck at the sight of the transfigured Lord who was speaking with Moses and Elijah, Peter, James and John were suddenly overshadowed by a cloud, out of which came a voice which proclaimed: "This is my beloved Son on whom my favour rests; listen to him" (Mk 9: 7).

When one has the grace to live a strong experience of God, it is as if one is living an experience similar to that of the disciples during the Transfiguration: a momentary foretaste of what will constitute the happiness of Paradise. These are usually brief experiences that are sometimes granted by God, especially prior to difficult trials.

No one, however, is permitted to live "on Tabor" while on earth.  Indeed, human existence is a journey of faith and as such, moves ahead more in shadows than in full light, and is no stranger to moments of obscurity and also of complete darkness.  While we are on this earth, our relationship with God takes place more by listening than by seeing, and the same contemplation comes about, so to speak, with closed eyes, thanks to the interior light that is kindled in us by the Word of God.

The Virgin Mary herself, among all creatures closest to God, still had to walk day after day in a pilgrimage of faith (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 58), constantly guarding and meditating on in her heart the Word of God addressed to her through Holy Scripture and through the events of the life of her Son, in whom she recognized and welcomed the Lord's mysterious voice.

And so, this is the gift and duty for each one of us during the season of Lent:  to Christ, like Mary.  To listen to him in his Word, contained in Sacred Scripture.  To listen to him in the events of our lives, seeking to decipher in them the messages of Providence.  Finally, to listen to him in our brothers and sisters, especially in the lowly and poor, to whom Jesus himself demands our concrete love.  To listen to Christ and obey his voice:  this is the principle way, the only way, that leads to the fullness of joy and love.

~Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Message of 3/12/06

"...the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross, where she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, grieving exceedingly with her only begotten Son, uniting herself with a maternal heart with His sacrifice, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this Victim which she herself had brought forth."  Lumen Gentium, n. 58

Dear Mary, whether on Tabor or on Calvary, let us advance steadfastly and happily with you in our pilgrimage of faith, content to see now "through a glass darkly" until that glorious day when, by God's gracious will, we behold our Beloved Jesus face-to-face.  Amen.