Heights have a holiness all their own. From Croagh Patrick to Holy Sion our memory fills with light as we recall much-loved sacred hills. We seek stillness and healing calm in quest of our most real self. We listen to the gentle voice of conscience and make space for prayer, a total listening to God. "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening!" Mary of Nazareth, first and most faithful disciple guides us: "Whatever he says to you, do it!"
We climb with Peter, James and John as Jesus leads to the high mountain, to purer air and to saving silence. We gaze in wonder as He is transfigured and the loved, familiar face is transformed in a radiant moment of what would be Easter glory. We see his garments shine whiter than glistening, untrodden snow. Moses and Elijah, teachers of perennial truth, appeared and spoke of redeeming mystery to come. Even amid this glimpse of glory, the grace of saving suffering was revealed. Calvary hill and empty tomb were prefigured.
The disciples, as yet, could not comprehend what "rising from the dead" could mean. They would slowly learn as, like us, they walked their pilgrim way through hours of sadness and of joy even through the valley of the shadow of death. The Good Shepherd would be ever close. Today they share Tabor's glory. They were to know Christ's desolation in the olive garden of paschal pain and mystery. The voice of the Eternal Father would echo in mind and heart forever: "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him". Easter victory demands that we share the mystery of the Cross. The King of Friday, transfigured now in glory, is Lamb of God, taking away all crushing sins that lay waste and kill. We are awakened and called to generosity, to love and to fidelity that endures.
In Lent we create spaces of saving silence that we may listen to Christ. On our mountain summit of sanity we find clear vision and generous resolve. When we return to the toil of demanding duties we will walk in clear light of timeless truth. The after-glow lights up the pilgrim way.
"Transfigured Christ
Believed and loved,
In You, our only Hope has been.
Grant us, in your unfathomed love
Those things no eye has ever seen."
Peter did not forget. He shares with us his luminous memories. "We have not depended on invented fables in telling you about the mighty coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. With our eyes we saw his greatness. We were there when He was given honour and glory by God the Father when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory saying, `This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased'. We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain."
Grace is given for action. Gospel guidance is for daily life. We are challenged to carry peace and goodness wherever we go. The challenge is now. "You will do well to pay attention to it because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the Morning Star shines in your hearts. . ."
Lord it is good for us to be here! Come, Lord Jesus!
F.MacN.