Before me is a copy of Raphael's much loved painting The Transfiguration. It speaks the message of the Gospel. As one gazes in stillness at the masterpiece, the prayer of Peter echoes in the heart: "Lord, it is good for us to be here!" The young artist died in Rome on Good Friday, 1520. He was 37. The unfinished masterpiece was placed close to him as he lay dying and was carried in his funeral procession to the Pantheon. The wondrous picture moves us to prayer, to listen to the saving Word on our pilgrim journey to the holy mountain of Easter. From the bright cloud of Scripture, prayer and Eucharist the Father's voice is heard: "This is my Beloved Son, Listen to Him! All those who have ears to hear, let them hear! If today we hear his voice let us not harden our hearts." St Paul never fails to awaken our dormant conscience. "Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation."
In silence, in wonder, in reverent awe and in unspoken prayer, we gaze at the Gospel scene. We have three visions to inspire adoration, contrition and petitions made in faith. The redeeming Christ is raised in glory and his face shines like the sun. The divine master is transfigured in glory. His garments are as bright as any radiant light. Moses and Elijah appear talking with Jesus. He must soon suffer in Jerusalem and fulfil the Father's plan to redeem us all. A bright cloud overshadows them and a voice is heard: "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" Christ has told his followers to cast aside selfishness, accept their personal cross and follow Him. Six days later comes the life-giving vision of his glory to strengthen all who repent and believe the Gospel.
The Lenten season is our holy mountain, rising above the stress and turmoil of noise and distraction. We seek moments of peace to be alone with Jesus and to accept his healing Word. Moses and Elias call us to listen in Lent to the saving truth proclaimed by prophets and by law. We kneel on our pilgrim way and cry in faith made new: "Lord, it is good for us to be here." As we walk with courage towards the radiance of Easter hope we pray: "Lighten our darkness, O Lord." The transfigured Christ will bring new courage: "Arise, do not be afraid any more!" So often we are paralysed by our fears. Noble resolution fades. But now with renewed courage we go forward in faith.
With genius-stroke, Raphael depicts the agony of a family asking mercy for a sick child from Christ, who alone can heal. Another disciple points to the pain and terror of the afflicted one and calls on Jesus to ease the suffering of the innocent. All our prayers and all our penance lead to service of the poor and lessening of human suffering.
We realise that the transfiguration is a prophetic sign given at a special apocalyptic moment that points to the glory of the risen Christ and to our own personal transfiguration as we say "Yes" to our Lenten call.
Too often with failure and betrayal and uneasy compromise we may lose heart and abandon early ideals and lofty hope. We forget that St Paul reminds us that we are "God's works of art". Like so many masterpieces, too long neglected, we may need cleansing and renewal. Each day in Lent we seek new vision and the grace so to live as to be, a source of light and life for others. This is the challenge of our healing Lent.
"Transfigured Christ! Believed and loved!
In you, our only hope has been.
Grant us in your unfathomed Love
Those things no eye has ever seen . . ."
Lord, that I may see!
F.Mac N