God tells Abram his descendants will be as numerous as the stars of the sky. A commentary I read said that Abram was looking at the sky during the day when he wouldn't have seen stars. Yet he recognized the stars would be there, and so he also had faith in God. Later in the reading, God made an astounding fiery appearance to Abram to assert His faithfulness in the covenant He established with Abram.
Then, three of the Apostles go up a mountain with Jesus and get a glimpse of His glorified state. Furthermore, they see two important figures, Moses and Elijah. It is an opportunity for the apostles to look ahead to the glory that comes after suffering. Rather than bask in the glory, as St. Peter was thinking, God sends them forth to listen to the Beloved Son.
We are looking ahead toward Resurrection Sunday at the end of Lent, when we encounter the glory of the Risen Christ anew, and we seek His glory at other times, too. Yet we are reminded by the Transfiguration story that we can possess this glory, too. Our Lenten practices, and even our sufferings in life, have a purpose in light of our relationship with God. They are transforming us so that we listen closely to Jesus Christ, and be more conformed to be like Him in holiness.
I rejoice in the moments of glory I experience this weekend. I was present as nearly 70 youths at my home parish encountered God when sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. Today, I rejoice in that special day when I was born, and I delight in all those who have reached out to me to celebrate this day. These special days point to a reality that God is marvelously at work to bring glorious purpose to our lives.
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