Readings:
Luke 9:28-36
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel treats us to a mysterious event that threw the disciples into confusion. They knew Jesus, and yet they did not know him. They saw a side of him that they didn’t understand, and they were “lost for words”. Even after Peter blathered on a bit, “he didn’t know what to say”. Then we are told that the three witnesses to this extraordinary manifestation of Jesus decided not to tell anyone what they had seen and heard.
We are also at a loss to know what to say in this time of global upheaval, especially as we realise the destruction that we humans are capable of. Eighty years ago today the USA dropped a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima in Japan. The nuclear age began.
However, today’s liturgy is a stark but beautiful reminder of our call to cement ourselves to Jesus because we know that neither he nor his message can ever be destroyed. We are challenged but not defeated. Even though the three apostles were afraid, they were still able to say, through Peter, “it is good for us to be here”.
We all experience the see-saw of faith and doubt, of fear and trust. But we must not pretend that God will just fix it all up for us – God’s action is to tell us to listen to his Son. And we know that the core of Jesus’ message is to love and to forgive.
Sister Susan Connelly RSJ, past teacher and Motor Missioner has been involved with Timor-Leste since the 1990s and is concerned about West Papua. She is involved with the Passionist Parish of Marrickville, NSW.