February
20, 2005
Second Sunday of Lent
Mt
17: 1 - 9
Killarney's
Torc Waterfall, in full spate after the unprecedented heavy rainfall,
brought out the sightseers. One Sunday afternoon as hardy souls climbed
the slope, the weather broke and lightning flashed across the sky. Even
the bravest scurried for shelter and for home. To enjoy the wonder of
creation in the cascading torrent and sparkling spray was invigorating
and very safe. To experience lightning on the exposed mountainside was
eerie and frightening. But even in the momentary fear, there was a new
insight into the glory of God's creation, an insight not to be repeated,
perhaps, but to be remembered always. It was an enrichment only for
those who had ventured forth from the comfort and security of home.
When
Jesus took Peter, James, and John to Mount Tabor, they glimpsed not
just the glory of God's creation but the very nature of God himself.
Just forbade them to tell the others about it because it could not begin
to be understood until he was risen from the dead when the disciples
began to realize who he really was.
Great
Tabor experiences do not come often in any of our lives, but even mini-Tabors
cannot come our way unless we venture to explore the mystery of God
in creation and in his friendship in prayer. Today's gospel is a reminder
never to put limits on what God can enable us to besome.