In today’s Gospel Jesus and his disciples go up a mountain. I remember as a kid climbing a mountain with friends, actually it was a hill, but it seemed like a mountain. At first, I found it adventuresome until the other guys began to race to the top and I was struggling to keep up. It was difficult for me to get my footing as the grade seemed rather steep and there wasn’t any path to follow. When I finally arrived at the top, I was out of breath. I had to smile as I read in today’s Gospel that Jesus’ face changed in appearance when he got to the top of the mountain because mine changed too - it just wasn’t a face you’d want to gaze upon - as I was perspiring and my face - was red from the heat. 

Thinking about my adventure with my friends, I compared it to Jesus’ journey with his Apostles. I climbed the mountain for entertainment. Jesus climbed the mountain on a mission. I went up the mountain for fun. Jesus went up the mountain to pray and to be in a relationship with his Father. My face changed because I over exerted myself. Jesus’ face changed because He’s the Son of God

In Luke’s Gospel we are told his face changed while he was praying and that an immense light protruded not only from his face, but from his clothing. We then hear that He unites with two Old Testament figures: Elijah who represents the Prophets and Moses who represents the law. They appear in Glory and are conversing with Jesus about the great exodus about to take place in Jerusalem. Though the apostles are overcome by sleep, it is before his transfiguration as we are told it was after they awoke that they saw Jesus and the Prophets in all their glory.

Upon seeing them we are told Peter doesn’t know what he is saying as he somehow has the notion he can house two heavenly beings in a tent when he tells Jesus: It is good we are here, let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah but while he’s speaking a cloud cast a shadow on them and they became frightened. Then a voice came from the cloud saying This is my chosen Son, listen to him. After the voice spoke, they saw everyone was gone and they are alone with Jesus and then we are told that they don't mention this experience to anyone. I wonder how anyone can refrain from telling someone what happened after having one of the most amazing experiences in their life. You would think they would shout it from the roof tops, but we later learn that the Apostles refrain from sharing their experience  because Jesus asked them not to share it. This shows just how much they love Jesus and how well they listen to him. Remember the words spoken from the cloud: This is my chosen one, listen to him. Jesus followers listened to him, but not only to his words of caution, but to his words of promise. 

In our first reading from Genesis we learn God was always a God of promise. We hear God speaking to Abram before he was even given the name Abraham. He tells Abram to look up in the sky and count the stars - if he can - because that is as numerous as his descendants will be - all because he was faithful to God. The Apostles experience of the Transfiguration is meant to help them keep their faith in Jesus. Jesus reveals himself to them so they will have the courage to meet the challenges they will have to face during the trials of the passion and that they will continue to have hope when they witness his crucifixion.     

St Paul in his letter to the Philippians ask them to be imitators of him and to observe those who conduct themselves in a right manner. He also expresses his sadness as he conveys to them in tears, that the lives of those who conduct themselves as enemies of the cross will end in destruction. If climbing a mountain is a symbol for our mission in life - we can only hope we are climbing it - for the right reasons, because we all want our citizenship to be in heaven, where the lord will change our lowly body into his own glorious body. Do you ever think about the promise he has for those who remain faithful to him? We are told that those who honor his laws and forgive their neighbor will be glorified as he is glorified and will become like him. think about how these reading apply to today’s world?  We look at today’s enemies of the cross, who invaded Ukraine, and we wonder how anyone could attempt to take over a country with such violence and have no problem in doing it. We wonder how they can become so far removed from what is good and true and beautiful. So we need to pray for them and ask God to transform their hearts.

As we look at the people of Ukraine, we see how they are fighting with such courage as they hold their heads high while knowing of the threat to their lives and the great devastation they are enduring as a nation. Yet in the midst of this great tragedy they turn their eyes to Jesus, taking time away from defending their country to give praise and glory to God. i make mention of this after seeing a video showing many people of Ukraine all lined up on the sidewalks - falling to their knees as the Blessed Sacrament is transported by car and escorted through the streets. I was amazed to see the devotion of such a great number of people who stopped what they were doing in the middle of a war to kneel down before Jesus. i’m not making reference to just one or two people but everyone standing along the streets fell to their knees, most of them remained kneeling  It’s as if all their concerns left them when their eyes focused on the Christ as they knelt to honor Him. Like Peter James and John, the people of a war-torn nation - looked upon the one who gave them hope as they saw him - passing by in all his glory. Even while in the midst of so much devastation - their eyes - see a God of mercy 

I don’t think there can be a better time than now to recall the words of St Paul, those who conduct themselves well will have their citizenship in heaven. No matter what happens to their country or in any country - a new heaven and a new earth will be provided - for those who are faithful to him.  All of us have mountains to climb, not as an adventure but, as a mission and we are all called to be his disciples and become united with our heavenly father.  Don’t be caught sleeping - for he may pass you by and you may never have the privilege to see this beatific vision again Stay alert, be attentive, Listen. So when the word is spoken - you will learn the way to the Father who will - lead you to the Son.  Be sure to always keep watch - for someday he may just be coming down your street – and you don’t want to miss him. Stay alert - be attentive - listen - for - Jesus is calling you.