Don’t Miss the Point
Tourists to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome are often overwhelmed by the splendor and grandeur that is thrust upon them by centuries of history, art, and architecture, to say nothing of religious tradition. But that experience often masks the simple plaque that marks the spot of Peter’s crucifixion. So often the point is missed.The Word today is about not missing the point, not letting the traditions of the past, the struggles of the present or the vision of the future mask the reality of what the Word is calling us to.Abraham’s apparent willingness to sacrifice Isaac is not all that surprising considering his time and culture. Human sacrifice was a tradition of much religious ritual in the ancient world. Yahweh stays Abraham’s hand because the time for human sacrifice is to come to an end. Eventually one sacrifice only will be required. The point was not lost on Abraham, but his obedience – his listening – brought him a blessing.In the Gospel story Peter seems to miss the point. The transfiguring of Jesus is a reason for rejoicing, but not in the way Peter sees it. It’s not about building shrines, about glorifying the present, but about paying attention – “listening” – to the one who will be transformed, through suffering and death, to overcome suffering and death!Paul’s Letter to the Romans hits upon the essential truth of the Scriptures offered today. It is all about Jesus and his perfect sacrifice of love. God so loved the world! So the voice from the cloud holds the key to the Word proclaimed today: “Listen to him.” Don’t miss the point!We, of course, must listen to what he says. Again and again Jesus teaches by telling stories—stories that have a consistent theme: Love one another as you love yourself—as I have loved you.But there is more to Jesus’ message than just words. We must also listen to what he does, for actions often do speak louder than words. Otherwise we might just miss the point.
Listen to what he does. He heals suffering wherever he sees it. In Jesus’ day catastrophic illness was considered the result of sin, so his healings of physical illness are acts of reconciliation. No wonder that his harshest criticism is leveled at the religious authorities who place heavy burdens on people’s shoulders. His message is healing.Listen to what he does. He parties. His presence exudes a divine hospitality. One of the criticisms the religious authorities level against Jesus is that he dines with tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners. Jesus loves the company of people who are real, even in their brokenness; he rails against hypocrites who say one thing and do another. Listen to what he does. He took upon himself the sin, the frailty, the brokenness of humanity and transformed it by his death and resurrection into a new creation. So often, especially during Lent, we tend to blame ourselves for Jesus’ suffering and death. But while it is true that it was our brokenness that led to that divine sacrifice, it was his unconditional love that made it possible. It’s more about him than about us!If the Scriptures ask us through the story of the Transfiguration to listen to Jesus it’s because what he said and did invites us to imitate him. If we are willing to take on the suffering of others, to celebrate with a divine hospitality the family of humanity, to love others as unconditionally as did he, then we too will be transformed. The Eucharist we celebrate each Sunday is a witness, a sign, a sacrament of that imitation. We willingly embrace the Body of Christ in the Eucharist so that we can be empowered yet again to be his presence in the world. Our celebration on this Second Sunday of Lent helps us, through Word and Sacrament, not to miss the point!