Something I read in a scriptural commentary the past couple of weeks stayed with me through Lent. It was a Gospel reflection on Jesus’ transfiguration (celebrated on the second Sunday of Lent). My thoughts were stirred by a friend’s random comment to me via text that same evening. He wrote, “As I get older, I’m starting to think about life. Where I’m going to go, that sort of thing. We gotta talk about God and religion sometime.”
Naturally, a conversation of this nature goes well beyond the venue of a text message — although it’s a start since my friend lives on the East Coast. And as a member of the Catholic Watchmen, I need to observe and listen to the needs of others near or far. Especially when it comes to faith matters with family and friends. Especially as it relates to the hope of eternal life.
For the best is yet to come. How do you tell a good friend with a rather lukewarm Catholic faith of the goodness, beauty and truth of our loving God — that indeed, the best is yet to come? A family man who is now pondering truth that “someday you will die” — and then asking “what do I hope for?” St. Thomas Aquinas, the great Christian theologian and Church doctor of the 13th century, said that the Transfiguration is meant to give all followers of Christ a burst of hope.
Come, Holy Spirit, come! Of course, that’s who makes things happen! Yet my faith as a Watchman living out our anchor discipline — “to build fraternity and evangelize men”— must be ongoing. Whether it’s with individuals or groups, it requires courage to accompany and encourage. We must be authentic and act with charity in all things. The profound visual experience given to Peter, James and John by our Lord inspired their hope for the glory to come.
People like my good friend — for the most part—recognize that life is a journey. Christians living out their faith certainly realize this. Yet how often do we sit back, reflect and realize that God is at the beginning and at the end of that journey? And do we share that hope with others?
Before Jesus’ transfiguration he gave his disciples the conditions of discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mk 8:34). That is the only way to behold his goodness, beauty and truth. We must live that paradox and take up our crosses. For those who keep the faith in Jesus, this leads to hope in the promise to be with him in the kingdom of heaven. The illuminating moment of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain gave Peter, James and John a burst of supernatural hope that surpassed reason. And they told the world they lived in this hope. And we are to keep it going with our own crosses, experiences, sorrows and joys.
“Being a Christian is life’s greatest adventure,” comments Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy at Boston College. “Jesus’ transfiguration is a little preview of heaven, our destination. It answers the last question about our journey; what is it like at the end?”
The best is yet to come!
Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for existing tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.
