February 27-28, 2010
Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 15:5-18 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28-36
The new show, ‘Undercover Boss’, has the president/CEO’s of large companies shedding their executive privileges and attire so as to become ‘just another worker’ within their companies. They discover the real-life stories of those with whom they labor; they inquire about how ‘the boss/owner’ is perceived; they face ridicule for poor performance and yet find unexpected kindness from those who take them under-wing. At the end of each segment they ‘reveal themselves’ to those with whom they worked.
They also invariably instruct their executive team on how to institute necessary changes for the good of the employees and ultimately, the company. Being only the second week of Lent, we are given an early ‘transformation/transfiguration’ by which to remember who Jesus of Nazareth REALLY is: the Son of God who transcends time and space. With his true-self revealed to Peter, John and James (and us) we are urged to consider carefully his words and actions…because Jesus is not just like everybody else, he is different (duhhh.) What is revealing and puzzling at the same time, is, if the disciples, especially Peter, had such insider knowledge about Jesus’ true nature…how come they kept screwing-up? Peter will deny even knowing Jesus….not just once but three times over.
The other disciples are said to have fled when Jesus was arrested. Judas betrays him, etc. etc. Perhaps this Gospel passage of transformation is a reminder of our ability to constantly be transformed…..in both directions….good one day…scumbag the next….back to good-guy the following. Life is rarely a single commitment that does not require continual reinforcement. Be it our professional work, our academic studies, our marriages and close relationships, what they are today may not be the same tomorrow…and we may have to find ‘our way back’, we may have to go through transformations, being reminded of why we do what we do and why we hold to the values we do. With the story of the Transfiguration, we are also reminded that the image, grace and glory of God resides within each human being (Christian and non-Christian alike)….but it may require eyes of faith, patience and great effort to perceive it (and to keep perceiving it), both in ourselves…and in others.
Thank you for sharing this Lenten Weekend with our Corpus Christi Community, Please make sure you take a Bulletin home with you as it contains information on upcoming parish events. Don’t forget that our website calendar has a complete listing of everything going on within the parish, www.avcatholics.org….please give it a try. Our Good Friday Prayer Breakfast features Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., the founder of Homeboy/Homegirl Industries in Los Angeles. With so many of our communities struggling with gang influence and violence, Homeboy/Homegirl Industries has been nationally praised as one of the most successful efforts in offering ‘transfiguration’ to those caught in gang life.
Our Prayer Breakfast team will be available after all the Masses to accept your reservations starting NEXT WEEKEND. The invites for this powerful witness to the transformative presence of the cross in our lives were mailed this past week, make sure you keep an eye open for them or ask your postal delivery person about them. As you continue to look within and wrestle with Lent, remember, you are loved. FKB
