"But Peter, and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him." – Luke 9:32.
In fact, Lent as a holy season encourages us to ponder the deep mysteries of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ in relation to each. Certainly Transfiguration is among those peak moments where the Godhead shines forth before the chosen three: indeed, more than any other, it may be the most holy moment in the earthly pilgrim's progress on Christ's part. Yet, even such a magnificent revelation did not save the disciples from attempting to interpret the experience.
Saint Ambrose of Milan has said that
"For no one, except he is watching, sees the glory of Christ."
It is assumed here that spiritual enlightenment must go hand in hand with seeing Christ's divine presence. The disciples were overcome by some sort of daze, where they were unable to withstand through their physical senses that glorious light which was the divinity of Christ. But gradually emerging from what seemed to them an unendurable stupor, they began to see the glory of Christ. A Lent alarm call is that if we remain blind in a stupor of spiritual sleep, we shall miss so many signs of His presence in life.
Standing on the mount, Peter himself was so in ecstasy, suggesting, "Let us make three tabernacles—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." George Leo Haydock expounds, "St. Peter knew not what he said, for by promising to make three tabernacles for these three personages altogether, he ranked the servants and their Lord unsuitably, the creature and the Creator." As the remark aptly notes, Peter's desire to remain a bit longer in glory overcame him in one sense; he had forgotten that Jesus' purpose was to move forward toward the Cross.
Lent teaches us not to be satisfied with ease that will only be temporary but to ready ourselves for the great sacrifice of Christ. Eloquently expressed by Pope St. Damasus, "Seek not for joys before the time, as Adam sought to be made like God. The time will come, when thou shalt for eternity behold him, and reign with him who is life and light." We, too, have to fight against fleeing from suffering or rushing to reward. The way of faith takes us in quick succession to the Cross before the Resurrection.
Why It Matters for Catholics Today:
1. Spiritually Awake: As Peter and the disciples, we must awake from sleep to Christ's presence. Lent, in fact, awakens our faith by prayer and fasting and acts of charity.
2. Authentic Worship: Never make God a reflection of our worldly desires. Our very faith teaches us to worship only Christ, exalting Him above all things.
3. Hope Beyond Suffering: Transfiguration is but a foretaste of the Resurrection. Likewise, that moment of glory for Jesus guarantees us His promise of future glory through suffering in this life.
As we walk the Lenten way, let us heed the Father's call from the cloud,
"This is my beloved Son: hear you him.'" (Luke 9:35).
Let us listen, watch, and prepare our hearts for the Paschal Mystery. Amen.
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