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March 4, 2023Second Sunday of Lent
Many years ago, I was fortunate to be able to spend time in Israel. I have innumerable memories, but today’s Gospel brings back a poignant one for me.
One day, my group stopped at overlook that took in the Valley of Jezreel. The valley is one of the most fertile areas in Israel and is a major source of food crops. It's as beautiful and pastoral of a view as anything I’ve ever seen. As I looked north into the valley, the town of Nazareth (yes, THAT Nazareth) could be seen off to my left. And on the right side of the valley was a smallish round top hill. It’s called Mt. Tabor.
Mt. Tabor is one of the sites traditionally claimed to be the place of the Transfiguration of Christ. (No one knows for sure.) I was mildly disappointed when I found out we would not be visiting the top of Mt. Tabor, so I soaked in the view from my vantage point on the opposite side of the valley.
I think it’s easy to hear today’s reading and get caught up in what Peter, John and James were feeling as they saw Jesus stand there with Moses and Elijah. But what about the other nine Apostles? How did they feel about being left at the base of the hill and told to “chill out”? Did they feel left out and jealous? If they did, I can’t blame them. Can you?
There have been many, many times in my life where I have felt “left out” in my spiritual journey. Many times, not only did I feel like I was left at the base of the hill, more often than not, I was across the valley looking at the mountain from a distance. I felt, not just what is going on at the top of the hill, but, how do I even get to the hill!?
In God’s great mercy and wisdom, the answer is provided for me in today’s reading from Timothy. “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. God saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to God’s own design…” [2 Tm 1:8b-9] (Actually, read and listen to the entirety of the reading for the full message.)
I am being reminded that in those moments of being “left out” or being at a distance, God has not abandoned me. God never abandons me. If I am feeling at a distance, then I need to look deep inside me and find out why I have chosen to distance myself from God.
And, as I go thru my day to day life, I need to be aware of these feelings that may come up with others as well. They typically won’t use those words (left out, distanced, etc.) but their pain and sadness will be evident. That's when I have the opportunity to gently walk with them and be an example of God’s mercy and peace. It might not even be appropriate to mention God, Jesus or faith at that moment. I need to BE God, Jesus and faith to them. In that moment, God will send the Spirit to them thru my words, if I truly believe that I am called to a “holy life...according to God’s own design.”
Every Day.
