This Lent, we remember the essential Christian disciplines. Last week, it was fasting. This week it is prayer. The gospel suggests that the Transfiguration was a fruit of Jesus’ prayer. And like anything very important that happens, prayer precedes. It is during his prayer that Jesus is transfigured. Likewise, saints have often transfigured in their prayer and adoration. This is not surprising. Prayer is an encounter with the Father. It configures us to him at least spiritually. While prayer seems simple, so many people find it difficult to truly pray. We live in a world full of distractions and in an environment that makes us believe we do not need outside help. Let alone divine help. We can do things on our own. We have become experts of the art of control. We now control the earth, the sky, air and water, communications, and even the future. But how come, and this is still a mystery. We cannot control the direction of our marriage, the behavior of our children, the spread of cancer? We have no mastery over our evil impulses, or the evils that engulf other people’s hearts.
In the end, we must accept that in this life, there are many things beyond our grasp. We need Someone who will comfort our troubles and right the wrongs around us. Our strength is limited. We need the strength, the peace and the assurance of prayer. We need strength from the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If fasting heals our greedy mind, then prayer heals our proud self. Our selfishness and greed do not transfigure us, they disfigure us.