March 16, 2003

In the account of the Transfiguration, Jesus is seen in his powerful and glorified state. Yet, today's Scriptures do not affirm people who focus on gaining power or glory. Those who will be glorified by God are those who make themselves utterly powerless, like Abraham, Isaac and Jesus.

Patrice was on top of the world. She had made it into Law School. She knew exactly how long it would take to finish, when she would get her loans paid off, and what she would have to do to become a partner in a firm. Then she would have her children. She had life perfectly planned until a pregnancy test came back positive. What would happen to her hopes of practicing law? Could God possibly want her to have this child?

Perhaps Abraham and Jesus felt similar doubts. God had led Abraham to believe that through Isaac, he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. Could God now really want Isaac to die? What would happen to the covenant? In today's Gospel, Jesus' identity is affirmed as God's beloved son, the Messiah, is chosen to establish God's reign on earth. What could he possibly accomplish by dying in the prime of life? Wouldn't it mean the end of everything? Both men chose the path of powerless obedience, a choice that allowed God's power and glory to shine through them.

For those who give up seeking their own power and glory, accomplishments are transfigured into blessings to be shared and pride is transfigured into gratitude. With Abraham and Jesus, we are called to rely entirely in God who, alone, has power and deserves glory. With the Psalmist, we might be greatly afflicted yet God has loosened our bonds through Jesus' death and resurrection. For this, we join the Psalmist and Abraham in offering our sacrifice of thanksgiving, the Eucharist.

SO THE QUESTION: HAVE YOU BEEN CONFRONTED WITH A SITUATION THAT SEEMED TO SHATTER ALL YOUR DREAMS? WHAT HAPPENED? HOW IS GOD URGING YOU TO EMBRACE THIS FEELING OF POWERLESSNESS?

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