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A person goes through medical school, they study hard, and they lose a good deal of sleep. They build up a large debt. Finally, they put M.D. behind their name. Did this person become a doctor to make big bucks? Or did they want to share in the healing ministry of Christ? The reason “why” makes all the difference. The same is true for young couples contemplating marriage, mom and dad and their relationship with one another, their children, and career, the young adult that doesn’t spend much time at home, or our Lenten practices. It is the reasons behind our choices that may be what’s most significant, not “what” is taking place. What is taking place is the story. This is the captivating part, but the reason; the “why” are these things taken place that give the story a deeper meaning.
In today’s readings we have three fascinating stories. We need to look for the “why,” the deeper meaning in each one of these accounts. It is the “why” of these events that has significance for our lives today.
In the reading from Genesis, Abram is told to “Go.” God tells Abram, a seventy-five year old husband who is childless, to pack-up and move to an unknown location. Abram went. “Why” - God’s call is to use Abram’s “yes” to accomplish his purpose. God calls Abram to be the father of faith in Jews, Christians and Muslims. Abram bears witness to God, and God blesses Abraham with a family “as numerous as the stars in the sky.”
In the second reading Timothy is traveling with Paul on a special assignment, his duties are head of the church in Ephesus. Timothy is told by Paul to bear “hardships with the strength that comes from God.” “Why” - Paul calls Timothy to suffer for the gospel gives his life meaning. He endured suffering because of his belief that we are saved through Christ. God promised him grace, guidance and strength. Timothy’s desire was to grow in holiness. In the third account Jesus is transfigured, his face shone like the sun. His clothes were as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared from the dead and spoke with Jesus. And God is heard speaking from a cloud saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. “Why” – Moses, who delivered the “Ten Commandants” to Israel, represents the law; Elijah was esteemed as the greatest of prophets. The work of Moses and Elijah – the Law and the Prophets – was to testify to, and prepare for, the coming of the messiah. Jesus wanted to teach them through
the Law and Prophets. Now that Jesus has come and his divine glory is revealed, the work of Moses and Elijah are accomplished; so in the transfiguration, they disappear and Jesus alone remains. Their disappearance in the vision does not suggest that the law and the Prophets have become obsolete. Jesus himself stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Mt 5:17)
Sometimes we get so caught up in the business of our lives that we don’t stop to reflect on the meaning or purpose behind what we do. As with Abraham, God calls us to journey with him, to trust him even in difficult times. As with Timothy, God promises to strengthen us in those hard times. When money is tight, when illness saps our energy, when caring for others is challenging, when our efforts are unappreciated, when quitting seems easier than going on, God promises his strength and grace.
God says to us as surely as he did to Peter, James and John, “Listen to him.” Listening implies obeying. At the transfiguration, the disciples fell to the ground in fear. “Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’” That touch, those words, is also with you and I today. “Do not be afraid.” Although you may feel alone, he is with you. He will strengthen you, love you, and prepare a place for you. Jesus will be with us forever.” Christ is with us in today’s scripture readings, He is made present in and through his disciples (You and I), in our priests and in the Eucharist, which we share in faith.
A life lived in, with and through Christ can transform any ordinary action into one that is holy and gracious, giving meaning to every breath, every step, every choice, and every challenge.
In your prayer time ask God to show you what needs deeper meaning or changing “Why” - so that we too may share in the fullness of his glory.