4th /5th MARCH 2023

Dear Parishioners,

Today, we have the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus is seen by Peter, James and John in splendid glory. It is a moment to treasure as Jesus’ face shone like the sun’ and his clothes became dazzlingly white. The sight was so special that Peter said: “It is good for us to be here, and how nice it would be to stay here always!” I imagine both Jesus and the apostles would have looked back on that event many times and especially in times of grief.

So, what is the Transfiguration saying to us? What is it saying about Jesus and the Apostles, Peter, James and John? For Jesus is another Epiphany – a manifestation that he is the Son of God. “This is my son, the Beloved, he enjoys my favour,” is what the voice of God says from heaven.

Jesus is speaking with Moses and Elijah; Moses the great law-giver; Elijah representing all the prophets. Jesus came to fulfil the Law of the Prophets – to complete God’s plan of the salvation of all peoples. Jesus was speaking to Moses and Elijah about his forthcoming death. This must have filled him with fear and terror. He needed to be reassured of God’s plan for him.

Again, we hear the words: “Do not be afraid,” as the Apostles are filled with fear and confusion. These same words were told to Mary at the Annunciation. The shepherds were told the same message when Jesus was born. Jesus had to believe the words applied to him too. On this point for ourselves: When we hear good news or when there is a transfiguration – we can be filled with fear too. We maybe, delighted to have a new job but worry that we may not be up to it. Parents are delighted to be expecting a new baby, but very nervous about the responsibilities.

Something beautiful can be overwhelming, but we can be so anxious about how we are going to handle the treasure. This is where we need to trust God and trust ourselves to take on something and do it well. So, the words, “do not be afraid”, can be reassuring and transfigure us into stronger people.

For Jesus and the Apostles, the Transfiguration wasn’t just one event: Jesus in his ministry develops into the Shepherd, the Light, the Bread from heaven, the Healer and all that was part of his ministry. The Apostles too developed from fishermen into witnesses of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. This is a very important truth for us. We change and be changed many, many times in our lives. When you are single, you marry and become a parent and a grand-parent – these are all transformations in our lives. Through our work we can wear many different hats. We become painters and decorators; nurses or medical people; carers or teachers; priests or sisters, etc. All these callings in life turn us into different people. Is this not the very basis of TRANSFIGURATION?

Yes, we become new and different people by the job we do. And then in smaller ways, day by day, we can become effective witnesses and ambassadors for Christ and be transformed into his likeness.

Yes, life is about change and not staying static. My time for moving on is getting nearer. At the Parish Pastoral Council on Wednesday last, I made the formal statement that I would be retiring this coming July. I feel I have given all I can over the past 52 years. It’s a hard decision but I feel now is the time. On the inside of this newsletter I’ve made a few more comments. I’ll miss the active ministry, but hope to be able to help out as and when in other parishes. Please pray for me, as I will for you.

Have a blessed week. Fr Joe