Wednesday Second Week of Lent
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Gen. 12:1-4, Psalm 33, 2 Tim. 1:8-10, Matt. 17:1-9
The readings and Psalm this week speak to us about uncertainty, trust, and orienting our life to Christ’s design. From deciding to retire from the Air Force, settling in Abilene, starting new careers, and our oldest leaving for college…our family has had quite a whirlwind year. I found myself feeling much comfort and consolation with these big decisions, but also moments of doubt and uncertainty. We faced much uncertainty in our military life. We loved the adventure of the many moves, but inevitably hardships such as deployments, missed holidays, lack of control, and loneliness crept in. We rationalized each move as part of the duty of service itself. However, as I worked more to orient myself to Christ’s design, I realized that it was time to settle down. In the second reading, Saint Paul mentions fully orienting one’s life to Christ’s design. Doing so requires relinquishing control, and that is where I have always struggled. How do I let go long enough to give God control? I think Matthew’s Gospel account of the Transfiguration helps show us a way.
I invite you to put yourself, just for a moment, into Matthew’s Gospel. You’re on day 6 of being in the desert. You’re hungry. You’re tired. And now you’re being led up this high mountain. It must have been so confusing. Suddenly, Jesus completely transfigures himself in front of you. His face shines like the sun and his clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with him. Peter immediately wants to manage the situation by suggesting that you build tents. But the voice and presence of God completely interrupts him as He says, “This is my Son…listen to him.” Fear sets in. Out of fear you instantly crumble to the earth and withdraw. But in this fear, Jesus comes near and touches you and you are given a glimpse of the transfigured Christ - a small taste of the indescribable glory to come.
In contemplating this scene, I find myself relating to Peter who likes to control what is going on. And when he feels out of control, he becomes afraid. But Matthew tells us what Jesus does when we are faced with a situation like this. At the Transfiguration, Jesus came close and touched the disciples in their fear. Jesus is the master of proximity. After they were touched by Jesus, the disciples saw no-one else because they were transfixed on the transfigured Jesus. In their fear and confusion, they raised their eyes and saw Christ alone. They were given clarity and their lives were changed forever.
Over and over throughout scripture, Jesus uses touch to heal. But for him to touch, he needs to get close, and for him to get close, we need to let him. Healing is a two-way street; we have a role to play, and it starts with proximity. Lent reminds us of Jesus’ promise that in all our fears, anxieties, and woundedness, He is right there with us, too. The story of the Transfiguration reminds us that we need to let Him get within arm’s reach.
Mike Fellona is married to Sarah and he recently retired after a 26-year Air Force career that took them and their four daughters all around the world. They are excited to now call Abilene home.
