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Vocation Meditation -
2nd Sunday of Lent, 2011
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Get up and do not be afraid.' And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, 'Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'
There are many vocations in the Church, just as there are many rooms in the Father's house.
Some people are called to be married. Others are called to follow directly in Christ's footsteps, making themselves "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven". Yet both can be apostolic and work in the world.
Today's Gospel provides us with a clue to how this is done: as Jesus is nearing His passion, He knows that His disciples need strengthening for that decisive moment. He leads them up the mountain - away for the hustle and bustle - and in the quiet of contemplation, He provides them with a consoling (albeit fearful) vision of His glory. The apostles return down the mountain, with renewed vigour.
There are times when we need to follow the Lord and leave the world - even if it is for 15 minutes - so that we can return with a better understanding of the will of God.
Vocation Challenge:
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
Do I follow Christ's lead, up the mountain and apart, so that I may be strengthened by contemplating His glory, returning to my vocation full of the will of God?
Dear God:
You are awesome in Your glory. I recognize that there are times when I need to be reminded of your divinity and power. Lead me to a silent spot where I may be renewed by your Spirit, refreshed and ready to serve you.
Amen
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.