As you reflect on your sin, look at the glory of Jesus
Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother and led them alone to a high mountain. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes turned white as light. Matthew 17: 1–2
What a fascinating line above: "white as light". How white is something that is "white as light?"
In this second week of Lent, we are given the image of hope of Jesus transfigured under the eyes of Peter, James and John. They are witnesses of a small taste of his eternal glory and splendor as Son of God and Second Person of the Holy Trinity. They are amazed, amazed, amazed and full of the greatest joy. Jesus' face shines like the sun and his clothes are so white, so pure, so radiant that they shine like the brightest and purest light imaginable.
Why did it happen? Why did Jesus do this and why did he allow these three Apostles to see this glorious event? And to reflect further, why do we reflect on this scene at the beginning of Lent?
In a nutshell, Lent is a time to examine our lives and see our sins more clearly. It is a moment that is given to us every year to stop us from the confusion of life and to re-examine the road we are taking. Looking at our sins can be difficult. It can be depressing and can tempt us to depression, despair and even despair. But the temptation to despair must be overcome. And it is not overcome by ignoring our sin, rather, it is overcome by turning our eyes to the power and glory of God.
The Transfiguration is an event given to these three Apostles to give them hope as they prepare to face the suffering and death of Jesus. They are given this glimpse of glory and hope as they prepare to see Jesus embrace their sins and bear their consequences.
If we face sin without hope, we are doomed. But if we face sin (our sin) with a memory of Who Jesus is and what he did for us, then facing our sin will not lead us to despair but to victory and glory.
As the Apostles watched and saw Jesus transfigured, they heard a voice from Heaven say: “This is my beloved Son, of whom I am very happy; listen to him "(Mt 17, 5b). The Father has spoken of this about Jesus, but he also wishes to speak of each of us. We must see in the Transfiguration the end and the goal of our life. We must know, with the deepest conviction, that the Father wishes to transform us into the whitest light, relieving every sin and granting us the great dignity of being a true son or daughter of Him.
Reflect on your sin today. But do it while also reflecting on the transfigured and glorious nature of our divine Lord. He came to confer this gift of holiness on each of us. This is our calling. This is our dignity. This is what we must become, and the only way to do it is to allow God to cleanse us from all sin in our lives and to draw us into his glorious life of grace.
My transfigured Lord, you shone in splendor before the eyes of your Apostles so that they could testify to the beauty of life to which we are all called. During this Lent, help me to face my sin with courage and trust in you and in your power not only to forgive but also to transform. My death I die to sin more deeply than ever to share more fully the glory of your divine life. Jesus I believe in you.