On this Second Sunday of Lent we hear a familiar Gospel passage from St. Mark that is usually described as the “The Transfiguration of the Lord.” While translations and commentaries vary in their description and explanations of this event, one thing seems to be clear: Peter did not want the moment to end.
When Peter experienced the presence of the Lord in this place in such a new and powerful way, he seems to be so overwhelmed that, in his typical fashion, he speaks from his heart: “Rabbi, it is good that we are here.” This was a transfiguration for Peter: witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord. We can imagine Peter saying, “Master, this is a great moment! To be here in this moment now is just the best. Could we just stay here? I wish this time didn't have to end.” We, too, have all had those moments that we didn’t want to end!
There may have been other occasions in the New Testament when these words would have been appropriate: when Mary realizes she has been chosen; Jesus as Zaccheus’ dinner guest; when the leper was healed and the blind man received sight. “Master, this is a great moment!”
We all have moments in our lives when we could say these words, too: a marriage proposed and accepted; the birth of a child; a great vacation; when touched by the Spirit in worship or prayer; when enjoying family and friends. “Master, this is a great moment!”
There are times and events that are so special—so warm and tender, so God-touched—that we do not want them to end. We wish the good feeling to go on and on. We avoid looking at a clock because we do not want to leave or say good-bye. We wish we could sit around the table forever, just one more whatever. We may say then, “Master, this is a great moment!”
The Lord wants to bless us with these great moments—and if we are not paying attention we may miss them. When we are in step with God’s Spirit, however, aware of His presence, we can realize that something special is happening. Even though we may not fully understand all that it means or where such a moment may lead, we can know that we are in the presence of God and squarely in tune—in harmony—with His will. When we do, we should say in gratitude: “Master, this is a great moment!” May God bless us all with a transfiguring moment today that causes us to exclaim: “It is so good to be here!”
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
When Peter experienced the presence of the Lord in this place in such a new and powerful way, he seems to be so overwhelmed that, in his typical fashion, he speaks from his heart: “Rabbi, it is good that we are here.” This was a transfiguration for Peter: witnessing the transfiguration of the Lord. We can imagine Peter saying, “Master, this is a great moment! To be here in this moment now is just the best. Could we just stay here? I wish this time didn't have to end.” We, too, have all had those moments that we didn’t want to end!
There may have been other occasions in the New Testament when these words would have been appropriate: when Mary realizes she has been chosen; Jesus as Zaccheus’ dinner guest; when the leper was healed and the blind man received sight. “Master, this is a great moment!”
We all have moments in our lives when we could say these words, too: a marriage proposed and accepted; the birth of a child; a great vacation; when touched by the Spirit in worship or prayer; when enjoying family and friends. “Master, this is a great moment!”
There are times and events that are so special—so warm and tender, so God-touched—that we do not want them to end. We wish the good feeling to go on and on. We avoid looking at a clock because we do not want to leave or say good-bye. We wish we could sit around the table forever, just one more whatever. We may say then, “Master, this is a great moment!”
The Lord wants to bless us with these great moments—and if we are not paying attention we may miss them. When we are in step with God’s Spirit, however, aware of His presence, we can realize that something special is happening. Even though we may not fully understand all that it means or where such a moment may lead, we can know that we are in the presence of God and squarely in tune—in harmony—with His will. When we do, we should say in gratitude: “Master, this is a great moment!” May God bless us all with a transfiguring moment today that causes us to exclaim: “It is so good to be here!”
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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