Snow! - Homily for the 2nd Sunday in Lent (5pm Mass)

"Lord, it is good that we are here."

Yes, it is good that we are here. And it is also good to make it home safely. So, since it is really coming down out there, I'm going to give you my very short "snow homily."

(Someone says "yessss!" and everyone laughs).

Ok, you all seem much too joyful about this. 

So, this evening we hear about the Transfiguration, when Jesus reveals His glory and His divinity to a few of His apostles. Why does He do this? Well, the better question is "when does he do this?" 

It is shortly before He enters into Jerusalem, the place of the Holy Temple, to become the sacrifice which will bring us life. This sacrifice was pre-figured in today's first reading. Did you notice that Isaac pre-figures Jesus?-- all the way to carrying the wood, like the Cross. And note: Isaac is not a five-year-old here. Isaac is in his late teens. He is consenting-- even to the carrying of the wood. This tells us how much he loves his father.  

So, why does Jesus reveal His glory-- like at the Resurrection-- just before His crucifixion? To strengthen the Apostles as they climb the next mountain: the mountain to Calvary. To inspire them and to give them hope: that this Good Friday will become an Easter Sunday.

Remember that. Your sacrifices-- whatever they are-- will become a glorious Easter Sunday.

So, if you have already fallen off the Lenten discipline, get back up on that horse, cowboy! Carry the wood. It's only the Second Sunday in Lent. Ask God to help you. Ask Him to remind you of heaven. As athletes say: no pain, no gain. No Cross, No Glory.

That's it.

And for those of you who are lazing on a Sunday afternoon, read this very brief, but worthwhile post.