Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them…. Matthew 17:1
My all time favorite literary character is Don Quixote, popularized by the Broadway musical and movie, “Man of La Mancha.” Here’s a replica of the headgear he wore, supposedly a golden helmet with magical powers, but in reality an ordinary shaving basin. At my home and office I’m surrounded by Don Quixote memorabilia, mostly statuettes of wood, ceramic and other materials collected during 37 years of travel. Gloria gave me the first one in 1967 on our honeymoon -- this Mexican wood carving. Today it’s part of a collection of close to 100 items. Little did she know at the time what her gift would spawn!
My fascination with the gently delusional Spaniard who believed himself to be a knight-errant destined to right unrightable wrongs began as a college freshman in 1963 after reading excerpts from the novel written 400 years ago. I only read excerpts because attempting to read the whole thing, all 126 chapters, nearly 1000 pages translated from archaic Spanish, would have probably ended my college career prematurely!
One of the most memorable of the novel’s many characters is Aldonza, the village prostitute, whom Don Quixote renames Dulcinea. He looks beyond her coarse exterior and sees a woman of noble beauty and purity. At first she thinks he’s just a crazy old man, but, in true romance novel fashion, his love for her transforms her and she eventually becomes what he envisions. By the end of the musical Dulcinea comforts the now dying and disillusioned Don Quixote by echoing the words of his famous theme song, the hauntingly beautiful ballad he sings at the start of his quest --- “The Impossible Dream.” In a sense, it becomes her theme song too because Don Quixote’s love for her made the impossible possible.
Stories of transformation fascinate and excite us which helps explain why “Man of La Mancha” has become such a popular success. Countless novels, plays and movies have been written about people transformed by the love, forgiveness or courage of another. We all have our own personal favorites. In a real sense, that’s what happens in today’s gospel reading from Matthew.
On the road to Jerusalem and crucifixion, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain where a miracle happens. Jesus is transfigured, transformed, (depicted in the statue above the altar); his face shines like the sun; his clothes become dazzlingly white; Moses and Elijah appear; and the voice of God intones: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased…” As the glory of the resurrection is revealed to them, they all experience the essence of divine love. What an awesome moment that must have been! No wonder Peter wants to stay on the mountain to savor the moment.
We know, however, that Jesus denies Peter’s request and leads the three down the mountain, back to the valley, where there was work to do. Why don’t they stay on the mountain? Because those privileged to experience God’s love are meant to share it. At the Last Supper on the night before he dies, Jesus demonstrates his meaning clearly when he washes the disciples’ feet and tells them: “as I have done for you, so you must do for others.” What important lesson is he teaching? The way to love God is to love and serve your neighbor. That’s how to make the transfiguration moment last.
Young brothers and sisters, what are some ways you can share God’s love? Do your chores without being reminded; do a favor for someone without expecting anything in return; give a heartfelt compliment; talk to someone who has no one to talk to; be a friend to that kid at school who desperately needs a friend.
Examples for us older folks? Volunteer at a homeless shelter; become a foster parent; take flowers or a meal to someone who’s ill; listen to a concern; visit a shut-in; write a letter of encouragement; mentor a troubled child; hug a co-worker having a tough day. What do all these have in common? Each is a simple act of kindness, an “ordinary” miracle which has the power to affect another person’s life beyond your wildest imagination. Indeed, one kind thought, one kind word, one kind deed, one at a time, will transform the world.
Jesus wasn’t the only one transformed on that mountain; so too were Peter, James and John. Like the rest of the disciples, they were ordinary people, illiterate and without social prominence, who in Christ were empowered to do extraordinary deeds. Ten of the original twelve disciples and many more besides willingly became martyrs for the faith, and some like Peter and Paul, flawed though they were, became outstanding leaders of the early church. Countless others through the centuries have evangelized by the example of their lives and the Jesus movement grew into a world religion with billions of adherents. Sharing God’s love, you see, doesn’t require doing extraordinary deeds, ordinary deeds done lovingly work just fine.
Last month I participated in a three day Curcillo retreat at Bishop Kearney High School. It was a deeply spiritual event filled with many experiences of God’s love, from the hand decorated paper napkins at mealtimes to the special letters from family, friends, and even strangers. During the closing commitment ceremony, as participants were presented with missionary crosses like this one, these words were spoken to each of us -- “Christ is counting on you.”
Ted Engstrom once wrote of an American businessman who was traveling to various mission fields of the world. One day he found himself in northern India near a leprosarium, a hospital for lepers. Outside the leprosarium walls he saw an unusual sight: a young missionary nurse was tending to the needs of a filthy, wretched, leprous beggar. There is nothing more distressing than that kind of sight. Tenderly this young woman was ministering to the leper before he was admitted into the leprosarium. The businessman had his camera strung around his neck, but couldn’t bring himself to take any photos. He paused at the sight, then withdrew a few feet. Tears filled his eyes as he said to the young nurse, “Young lady, I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.”
Quickly she turned to him and said, “Sir, neither would I.”
What happened at the Transfiguration reveals that all of us can participate in the glory of God’s love. It’s not a one-time miraculous event, but an ongoing life long experience meant to be shared. That’s what Christ is counting on all of us to do because sharing God’s love is what makes the impossible dream possible.
Anthony J. Sciolino
2nd Sunday of Lent
February 20, 2005 (Cycle A)
Genesis 22:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9.