|
Introduction
Seeking to test the Freudian notion that civilization is a by-product of repressed sexuality, the scholar J. D. Unwin studied 86 different societies. His findings startled many scholars - above all, Unwin himself - because all 86 demonstrated a direct tie between monogamy and the “expansive energy” of civilization. For Roman, Greek, Sumerian, Moorish, Babylonian, and Anglo-Saxon civilizations, Unwin had several hundred years of history to draw on. He found with no exceptions that these societies flourished during eras that valued sexual fidelity. (The Lost Sex Study-Philip Yancey in Christianity Today, December 12, 1994 )
So it seems that fidelity in human relationships, especially in marriage is the foundation for progress and development of humanity. But unfortunately in matters of good behavior patterns men and women follow example more than precept. For us in the Judeo-Christian tradition the example comes from none other than our God Himself. His love relationship with His people is a covenant relationship. God fulfills what He has promised. “I will be your God and you will be my people”. (E.g.. Exodus 6:7, Jeremiah 7:4,11:4, 30:22. Ezekiel 36:28).
Today we are presented with Yahweh- God making a covenant with Abram our father in faith in the first proclamation, Jesus the living new covenant being acknowledged on Mount Tabor, and St. Paul urging us to live as worthy partners of the new covenant.
The Entrance Antiphon tells us how the people of the covenant were in the habit of reminding the Lord God of His part of the covenant, though they more often than not paid only lip service to being the people of God.
“Remember your mercies, Lord, and your tenderness from ages past. Do not let your enemies triumph over us; O God deliver Israel from all her distress.”
“My heart has prompted me to seek your face; I seek it Lord; do not hide from me”
The First Proclamation
He took him outside and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. He then said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.” “O Lord God,” he asked, “How am I to know that I shall possess it?” He answered him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River (the Euphrates),
Prayerful Awareness
Abram (later to be called Abraham) had been asked to leave his homeland and to go and live in a strange place. If he did so, he was promised a great future for his family and descendants. Without any further guarantees, Abram sets out. His readiness to put his trust in God’s word became legendary in the tradition of Israel. But, although ready to do what God asked of him, Abram asked for some confirmation. From the experience recounted in the above proclamation Abram knew his trust in God was justified.
The Gospel Proclamation
About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
Gaze at Jesus
Amongst the many definitions of prayer, is prayer as the experience of God’s love. Jesus as the Son of man goes up the mountain to experience the “Covenant Love of God, His Abba”. Jesus overwhelmed by the love of the Abba is transfigured. So “ God has revealed himself fully by sending his own Son, in whom he has established his covenant for ever.” (Catholic Catechism 73.) Jesus experiences being God’s Covenant of Love.
The Second Proclamation
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things .But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
Our Sonship
We have an invitation to undergo a transformation and transfiguration of our own. How is that transformation or transfiguration to take place? It means having a total trust in walking Jesus’ Way, a total trust that only his Way brings us into full union with God, the source of all Truth, Love, Happiness and Peace.
Prayer Starter
O Holy Spirit! Grant me the vision of the “seventh eye” to see Your transforming Covenant Love at work within me. Truly from glory to glory you’re changing me….
|
