“I choose you.”
Every time these words come from someone, especially someone dear to us, we are moved. Moved by what? Moved by joy and pride, but at the same time, we are scared. We tend to think of the best and do the best, not to disappoint the person who chose us.
Our Sunday gospel talks about the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, witnessed by three of his apostles: Peter, John, and James. “While he was praying, his face changed in appearance, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Lk 9:29-31). Perhaps the Transfiguration happened before the crucifixion of Jesus to tell the apostles that he indeed is the chosen one, who will sacrifice His life for the salvation of mankind. It is a message to the people, represented by the apostles, that the Son of Man will be handed over, suffer under Pilate’s hand, and rise again after three days. It was all part of the plan.
Looking at the relevance of this gospel to our season, the season of Lent, it is also great to ask ourselves, “Am I worthy to be the chosen one?” Because I believe that we are all chosen. What we have to do is to show God that we deserve the appointment He has made for us. How? It is by embracing the spirit and the invitation of this season: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
Prayer—this is the perfect season to transfigure our spiritual lives, from something fragile to something firm and unbreakable. It is a moment to reflect, meditate, and strengthen our faith in Him. Fasting—this is a perfect time to fast from the usual things we do, to lessen our screen time, to refrain from meddling in other people’s business, and to abstain from foods that are unhealthy for our body and soul. Almsgiving—it is a way to boost our kindness and compassion toward others. In this way, we remember that our brothers and sisters who are struggling are the representation of Jesus. We have to be compassionate enough to share our blessings, just as He shared Himself for humanity.
The world also needs to be transfigured by the light of Jesus, and we are those lights. In a world where lies, addiction, corruption, violence, and injustice prevail, we are the instruments of its transfiguration. Together, we can be the light to those in the dark, the strength to those who are trembling, and as pilgrims, we can be a hope to those who are hopeless. We are that light, illuminating the darkness of this world—a steering wheel, redirecting the diverted ways, and a hand carving a better future.
Dear brothers and sisters, we are all chosen. We just have to show Him that we deserve it and that we will do the best we can. Amidst this chaotic world, where everything is fast and everyone can be evil, we are invited to go against the current as pious followers of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
