Gen. 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18; Rom. 8:31b-35, 37; Mk. 9:2-10
After
calling Abraham, God commanded him to take his son Isaac and to go to the land
of Moriah to offer him there as a burnt offering on a mountain that will be
shown to him.
As
Genesis 22:3-8 tells us, Abraham obeyed God. Early in the morning, he set out
towards the mountain. Genesis 22:6 tells us that "Abraham took the wood of
the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac." When Abraham came to the
place that God had shown him, he built an altar there and laid the wood in
order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
Just when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, the angel of the Lord called him from heaven and told him not to lay his hand on the boy or do anything to him. [Gen. 22:11-2] The faith of Abraham had been tested and God knew by his actions that he had a sincere heart.
Today's
Reading from the Gospel of Mark gives us a glimpse at what awaits those who
persevere in their living faith. When Jesus took Peter, James and John up a
high mountain, they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. His clothes became
dazzling white.
One
notable example of great perseverance in the Bible is Job. The Book of Job in
tells the tale of Job who faced immense suffering and adversity but remained
steadfast in his faith.
Job
was a prosperous and righteous man, but Satan challenged his faithfulness to
God, arguing that Job's piety was only due to his prosperity. In a series of
tragic events, Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health. Despite these
overwhelming challenges, Job did not curse God. Instead, he endured tremendous
suffering while maintaining his trust and faith.
Job's
perseverance is demonstrated through his famous words, even in the midst of his
trials: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The
Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be
praised." (Job 1:21, NIV)
In
the end, God restored Job's fortunes and blessed him with even greater
prosperity than before. The story of Job serves as a powerful testament to the
importance of maintaining faith and perseverance in the face of life's most
severe challenges.
A
modern example of great perseverance in literature can be found in the novel
"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. The memoir recounts Walls'
unconventional and challenging childhood, growing up in poverty with her
dysfunctional family.
Walls'
parents were unconventional and often failed to provide basic necessities for
their children. Despite facing extreme poverty, hunger, and a lack of
stability, Walls persevered. She sought education as a way to escape her
difficult circumstances, and she excelled academically. Walls went on to
graduate from college and became a successful journalist.
Throughout
the memoir, Walls demonstrates incredible resilience, determination, and an
unwavering spirit to overcome the obstacles that life throws at her. The story
is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and the human spirit to
rise above adversity and create a better life. "The Glass Castle" is
not just a personal triumph but also a narrative that inspires others to
persevere in the face of hardship.
Let
me share the story of Chris Gardner, whose life journey of perseverance was
depicted in the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness,".
Chris
Gardner was a struggling salesman in San Francisco facing homelessness while
raising his young son, Christopher. Despite facing financial difficulties,
Gardner managed to secure an unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm. This
decision put immense strain on his personal life, as he and his son had to
endure homelessness, sleeping in shelters and at times even in public
restrooms.
Gardner's
unwavering determination and work ethic caught the attention of the firm,
leading to a paid position as a stockbroker. Eventually, he went on to
establish his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co. He became a successful
entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist.
Chris
Gardner's story is a powerful example of perseverance, resilience, and the
belief that with hard work and determination, one can overcome even the most
challenging circumstances.
Perseverance
is not just a personal virtue; it is a force that can transform communities and
societies. When individuals refuse to yield to difficulties, they inspire
others to believe in the power of resilience. Through shared perseverance, we
can build a collective spirit that triumphs over challenges, creating a society
that thrives on determination and hope.
Abraham's
perseverance is exemplified in his unwavering faith and obedience to God's call.
Despite facing numerous challenges and uncertainties, including the daunting
task of leaving his homeland, the promise of descendants at an old age, and the
ultimate test of sacrificing his son Isaac, Abraham remained steadfast in his
trust in God. His journey is a testament to perseverance through faith, even in
the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The
transfiguration of Jesus, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and
Luke, portrays a moment of divine revelation. Jesus takes Peter, James, and
John to a mountain where he is transfigured before them, his face shining like
the sun, and his clothes becoming dazzling white. During this extraordinary
event, Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the continuity and fulfillment of
the Law and the Prophets in Jesus.
Abraham's
perseverance through faith led to the fulfillment of God's promise, and the
transfiguration of Jesus serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of his
earthly ministry, foreshadowing the culmination of God's redemptive plan
through the crucifixion and resurrection.
Todays
‘Gospel reading places before us a number of messages:
The
transfiguration reveals the divine identity of Jesus, emphasizing his unique
role and purpose. In today's world, this encourages us to explore our own sense
of purpose and recognize the potential for positive impact in our lives.
The
dazzling transformation of Jesus on the mountaintop signifies spiritual growth
and transformation. In the contemporary context, this calls for a personal and
collective commitment to ongoing self-improvement, mindfulness, and spiritual
development.
The
presence of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus during the transfiguration
signifies continuity and unity between the Law, the Prophets, and the
fulfillment of God's plan in Christ. This speaks of the importance of unity,
collaboration, and understanding among diverse individuals and communities in
today's world.
The
disciples' awe and fear during the transfiguration reflect the human experience
of grappling with uncertainty. It encourages us to maintain faith and hope even
in the face of challenges, recognizing that moments of uncertainty can be
opportunities for spiritual growth.
Following
the transfiguration, Jesus descends the mountain to continue his ministry and
service to others. This serves as a reminder for us to engage in acts of
compassion, service, and social justice, embodying the principles of love and
care for one another.
The
transfiguration provides a glimpse of the glory that awaits beyond the challenges.
In a world facing numerous difficulties, the message encourages hope and
resilience, reminding individuals that moments of trial can lead to eventual
triumph.
In
essence, the transfiguration of Jesus speaks of timeless themes of purpose,
spiritual growth, unity, and hope. May God grand us strength and grace to make
them part of our daily life.
Satish