Irondequoit Catholic Communities
2nd Sunday Of Lent C

Celebrating 100 years

Return to Cycle Index

Cycle C

Q. 257: I have heard both St. Mark's and St. Luke's story of the Transfiguration described as a "sandwich story." What does that mean?

Being a "sandwich story" refers to the "placement" of the story by the authors within the context of the information they are trying to convey. In this case, both evangelists "sandwich" the story between two clear and somber predictions of future suffering for the Messiah.

The true witness story of the Transfiguration is intended to reveal the hidden identity of Jesus. Hearers or readers of the story are reminded by a voice from the "cloud" that they are to "listen" to this beloved Son of the Father. Together with the description of the stainless, "dazzling white" clothes of Jesus, there is no mistaking the fact that the divine identity of Jesus is being revealed.

Yes, Jesus is the Messiah; yet he is not the temporal ruler expected by the leaders and people, and maybe even the disciples. They expect another like King David to save them and establish a new kingdom, expelling the Romans from their territory. Jesus knows that his apostles are not yet ready to understand the reality that his kingdom is not of this world. Until they are ready - which will not occur until after the resurrection - Jesus reveals only pieces of the puzzle of who he really is. The entire Old Testament story of salvation history is simply a preparation for the reality of the coming of the Messiah, and the new covenant that will be established through the shedding of his own blood.

Know Your Catechism! The placement of the event on a "mountain," with an enveloping "cloud" and a heavenly voice, and dazzling white garments, all speak of a self-revelation of God (CCC #554). But these wondrous events are themselves "surrounded" by predictions of suffering for this Messiah of the New Covenant (CCC #555). The promise of baptism is that we, too, will share in the transfigured glory of Christ (CCC #556). We need to ask ourselves this question: do I keep my white baptismal garment unstained by my daily thoughts, words and deeds? If not, what must I do about that during this Lent?

Citizenship In Heaven

Probably every American has read Edward Everett Hale's famous short story "The Man Without A Country". It is pure fiction, but it has a touching realism. Here is the tale in summary, in case you have forgotten the details.

In 1805 Aaron Burr, a former U.S. Vice-President was reported to be plotting to steal the American Southwest and set himself up as its king. The federal government tried him for treason, but the case against him was not proved.

Meanwhile, however, according to Hale's story, Burr won over several followers. Among them an enthusiastic young naval lieutenant, Philip Nolan. He was one of the lesser conspirators put on trial. Because of his youth, the judge of the court martial was ready to let him off. He asked Nolan if he wished to say anything to show that he had always been loyal to the United States. To the shock of all present, Nolan cursed his country. "I wish I may never hear of the United States again!"

After that, the presiding officer could not release Nolan. Instead, he sentenced him to have his wish. Stripped of naval status and rank, he was ordered to be put on one navy vessel after another, and never be allowed to land on American soil. All personnel aboard the ships were cautioned never to mention the U.S.A. in his presence or to allow him to read anything about his homeland. The order was carried out almost perfectly. Philip Nolan spent from 1807 to 1863 as a "man without a country". It was an excessive penalty, but he bore it heroically and came to realize gradually the meaning of patriotism.

To be a citizen of some country is very important. Important practically, for it means that some government will protect us. Important psychologically because it is frightful to belong nowhere. A non-citizen is something like an astronaut whose "umbilical cord" is severed during a space walk, and who then becomes a lonely whirling satellite whirling through space.

But if earthly citizenship is necessary, heavenly citizenship is even more so. We must also be able to say with St. Paul "We have our citizenship in heaven" (Phil 3:20, today's second reading). One day we will stand at the gate of a border marked "Kingdom of Heaven." When the guard asks "Citizenship?" we had better have our passports in order.

-Father Robert F. McNamara

Q. 413: Is the depiction today of the apostles' struggle to stay awake really a picture of every Christian's journey? 

 Have you ever noticed how the three apostles (Peter, James and John) are always falling asleep on Jesus at critical moments in his journey to the cross?  In today's gospel (Luke 9:28-36) Jesus reveals his divinity during the Transfiguration, surely a “mountaintop experience” to top them all!  But “Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep…”  Later on in another crucial moment near the end of Jesus' journey at the Garden of Gethsemane, despite Jesus' request to “keep awake,” Peter, James and John fall asleep during his hour of need (Mark 14:33-34, 37).  During the Transfiguration when his glory was manifested, the three apostles woke up and heard a voice, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him!”  Before they realized it, the “mountaintop experience” was over.

In both cases, Jesus was engaged in deep prayer. In both cases, the apostles could not stay awake in prayer support. But once they realized what was happening at the Transfiguration, they wanted to stay there and continue the experience. St. Augustine taught us that instead Jesus took them back down the mountain, and showed them how to serve even through persecution - the Way to heaven lies through the Way of the Cross (CCC #556).

I think we need to remember the stark contrast between last week's gospel and today's. In the story of the “Temptations” last week, we were reminded of the full humanity of Jesus. In the story of the “Transfiguration” today, we are reminded of the full divinity of Jesus. The latter reminds us of our promised eternal destiny when we respond to Jesus message of love. The former reminds us that this destiny doesn't mean we can avoid the trials and pains of life.

Know Your Catechism! In both the Transfiguration and the Gethsemane experiences, it is clear that the events are pointing to the Cross ahead, the way of suffering (CCC #555). Is it possible that we “miss” mountaintop experiences because we are not open to accepting the way of the cross that might be in our present or future? Jesus taught us to pray to our Father in heaven, “Not my will but thine be done.”


Page last modified on October 17, 2007, at 03:16 PM