Constant Change

Second Sunday of Lent A
February 16-17, 2008
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm: 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9

Change
An ancient Greek philosopher by the name of Heraclitus said our world is ruled by the law of change. Everything around us is changing that “no one can step the same river twice.” Because different waters flow in rivers, the water are always changing.

Nothing is permanent in this world. The only permanent in this world is change. Season change and temperature change. "Cold things warm up, the hot cools off, wet becomes dry, dry becomes wet."

We human life is also governed by the law of change. Our appearance change, our weight and waistline change, our mood or emotion swings from one to another. As year go pass we grow old in age, we gain wisdom, we learn new things, we mature and developed.

Lent
Change is the call of Lenten season. We are invited during this time of the year to change our old ways, change our bad habits to conversion.

We notice various changes in the life of the Church during the time of Lent: our liturgy is simple we don’t sing or recite the Gloria; we don’t sing or say the Alleluia to welcome the Gospel; there are no flowers in the church. In some churches they cover the statues and images during Lenten season.

During the time of Lent, we change a bit our normal lifestyle - we make sacrifices, we give up something pleasurable, we let go off things that stop us following Him, so that inner change may truly happen within us. Inner change is called a conversion heart. To be converted means allowing our hearts being touched by the words Jesus through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Lent is a time when we bring our mind and heart closer to our Lord so that we can listen attentively to him attentively. Conversion of heart is the goal we want to achieve in Lent.

Transfiguration
In the Gospel reading, Peter, James and John, witnessed a sudden change in Jesus – He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. They were dumbfounded at this dramatic vision, also with the appearance of the two great men from the Old Testament, Moses and Elijan appeared to them. As this happens they head a voice saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

In an instant the three disciples, Peter, James and John, experience a glorious moment that would change and deepen their understanding about Jesus – the person whom they were following. Up until now they knew Jesus only in his external appearance: He was not a man different from others; they knew where he came from, his habits, the timber of his voice. Now they know another Jesus, the true Jesus, the one who cannot be seen with the eyes of ordinary life, in the normal light of the sun; what they now know of him is the fruit of a sudden revelation, of a change, of a gift.

Because things change for us too, as they changed for the three disciples on Tabor; something needs to happen in our lives similar to what happens when a young man and woman fall in love. In falling in love with someone, the beloved, who before was one of many, or perhaps unknown, suddenly becomes the only one, the sole person in the world who interests us.

The Transfiguration of Jesus calls us to transfigure our hearts which means making him the sole center of our life amidst the world around us that is constantly changing. What are those changes around us? Faith and religious practice are in decline, and they not seem to constitute, the point of reference in life. There is the boredom, the weariness, the struggle for believers in performing their duties. Many young people are not attracted to the faith. There is dullness and lack of joy among the believers in Christ. On the other hand, being faithful Christian makes you unpopular and considered old fashioned.

Challenge
We should not be discouraged about this change. When Jesus allowed his disciples to see him transfigured, his purpose was not to show off his glory and power rather he wanted to encourage and strengthen their faith. So when they see him suffer on the cross they would not lose hope. And when themselves experience persecution because of their faith they would not lose their love and trust in him.

The Transfiguration of our Lord transfigures the hearts of his disciples, loving him faithfully both in times of joy and sorrow.

The challenge for us during this today, especially at this time of Lent: are you ready to transfigure your heart?

Real change of heart happens when we are no longer so much preoccupied with selfish questions such as: How beautiful is my look? How much money do I have? How much power do I posses? How much pleasures are available for me?

Real changed of heart happens when we simply ask: How can I please God? How can I serve him in other people? Will my attitude make God happy?

Let us remember nothing is not permanent in this world, all things we see, taste and touch are all but temporary, including ourselves, we will all leave this world.

There is one thing that is more permanent than change. The unchangeable love of God to us is the only concrete and permanent in this world. We can enjoy the permanence and eternity God’s love, but first we need our hearts transfigured.