I feel fairly certain that I am not the only among us who has awakened one day with an urgent feeling to call a particular person for a reason you can’t figure out. Or have you found yourself driving a route that was not exactly the one you usually follow only to learn later on why your guardian angel planted that idea? Do you think it possible the day Jesus asked three of his disciples to go with him up the mountain to pray was one of those days? He just knew in his bones he HAD to go to that place and felt a need to invite Peter, James and John to accompany him. It was only after they got to that level spot that He realized his Father’s intention. It’s not quite clear to me if Jesus wanted company while he prayed or was hoping they’d join him in prayer. In either case they were gifted with a glimpse of His glory.
But, first they had to agree to hike up that mountain with him. Jesus calls each one of us to examine what mountain we must 
climb to see God’s glory. You can call the mountains whatever you will – it’s your personalized mount to climb: hurdles, challenges, enticing temptations, near occasions of sin, quirks of personality, broken resolutions, pet peeves… Some days they are like a little pebble on our path that we casually kick aside. And some days they’re tiny grains of sand inside our shoe. They’re no bother when you are sitting still but the instant you start to move it quickly makes itself 
felt. Other days, they are like boulders we can’t move with a backhoe. Everyone’s mountain is different; but, to witness God’s glory, we must climb the mountain with our name on it.
And, when we reach the mountaintop, we must stay alert, have the insight to know that we are at the top. The disciples could have missed Jesus’ transfiguration if they:
- had not awakened at the right moment
- had been too busy taking in the view
- were wondering how they going to be up on this mountain anyway
- and, who’s going to catch the fish for tonight’s supper.
You fill in the blanks…you know what it is that keeps you from seeing God’s glory. What causes you to miss the “small miracles” of “everyday transfigurations” in yourself, in each other, in nature. We need to thank God when we get to the top of the mountain; but we can hardly stay there. There are more mountains to climb. While you are at the top, if only for an instant, don’t miss the transfiguration.
Jesus did not become “more God” that day on the mountain. I don’t think the change was so much in Jesus, as it was in the disciples. They were ready. They had climbed the mountain and now their eyes were opened to witness the miracle of the moment. Transfigurations or “miracles” are all around us IF we but have the eyes to see.
- Miracle of God’s graciousness when a person holds a door open for another
- Miracle of God’s mercy when a mistake is not challenged in public
- Miracle of God’s steadfastness when day after day others gather with me for communal exercises
- Miracle of God’s perseverance when we come through tough times – individually and as a community
- Miracle of God’s humility when reconciliation occurs
- Miracle of God’s generosity when an offer is extended before the favor is voiced
- Miracle of God’s humor when it rains on our picnics
- Miracle of God’s artistry in the beauty of nature that surrounds us
- And always, thank you, God, for the miracle of tomorrow: the gift of a new sunrise, a new slate, a new beginning.
Make your own litany of miracles. God is already there. Jesus invites us to follow His lead going up the mountain where we just need to open our eyes to witness the transfiguration.
~ Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
Have a pleasant week. Celebrate “wearin’ of the green” with the Irish on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day and the Italians on Saturday, St. Joseph Day – St. Joseph bread for the poor. May God bless all peoples with cause to celebrate Divine Goodness.
