Transfiguration, now

The story is told about a little girl who was holding two apples, one in each hand. Her mother sweetly asked if she could have one. The girl looked at her mother for a few seconds, then suddenly took a bite on one apple and another quick bite on the other. The mother could not hide her disappointment. Whereupon the child, smiling, handed her one of the apples and said: “This is the sweeter one, Mom!”

* * *

In today’s Gospel (Lk. 9, 28b-36), we learn of the transfiguration of Jesus before Peter, James and John. His face changed, and His clothing became dazzling white. They saw His glory, with Moses and Elijah standing with Him. But more than the physical manifestation they saw, it was the Father’s voice saying, “This is my chosen Son, listen to Him,” that struck their hearts. Yes, we can witness all sorts of miracles and receive blessings in our lives, but if these do not transfigure or transform us spiritually, they are useless and empty.

* * *

How do we please God? More than building tents for Him, God is pleased when we really listen to Him and obey Him. God wants not only our hands but, more so, our hearts. Real transfiguration happens when we put everything and everyone before Him, and in humility, acknowledge Him as our God. Real transfiguration happens when we live humbly and gratefully.

* * *

“What can I do for you, Lord?” This is a very good and important question that each one of us should be asking God. If you have not asked God this question, it’s about time you did. But the better and more important question to ask God is: “Lord, what do You want me to do, or to be, for You?” If you can ask Him that, then you are really making progress in your journey to God’s heart!

* * *

In choosing our leaders in May, let us not choose those who make messianic promises as to how they can lead us out of poverty and misery. Let us choose those who listen to us, who ask us and consult us on what we can do together. We don’t need “messiahs” who eventually become our masters. We need leaders who can become our partners and coworkers.

* * *

We said goodbye to Fr. Julio Barbieto, SVD, last Feb. 16. He was 93 years old. This vibrant and joyful missionary priest from Tayum, Abra, was so full of life and enthusiasm. I am a witness of his humility and zeal, and a grateful recipient of his kindness. He was “old school” but he was always “young at heart.” Whenever I met my caring confrere and confessor all these past years, I said to myself that if ever I get to be that old, I want to grow old like him. Salamat, Apo Julio, for the joy and the inspiration!

* * *

Amazing, this Father Barbieto (Father “JB”), who had such a passion for learning. In his retirement years, he learned how to play the guitar, violin and harp, and he readily volunteered to perform whenever we had programs or gatherings. He might not have been very good at them—at least he produced the sounds!—but he produced many smiles and much joy and laughter in each of us. His enthusiasm was very edifying. I heard that when he went to heaven, he was immediately drafted into the orchestra there, playing the lead this time, and finally, in tune, and in perfect harmony! Until we meet again, in the resurrection, pray for us, Father JB. Pray on and play on!

* * *

Speaking of passion, I am much edified by the people of Batanes who have a lot of passion for their beautiful islands and their rich culture. Batanes is a beautiful and serene place. Visiting it is always a religious experience, with God so present and glorified in Mother Nature. Quiet, clean and serene, Batanes, may you always be! And may the Ivatan, the people of Batanes, continue to remind us about love for our culture and love for our motherland!

* * *

The hospitality and simplicity of Filipinos, as well as their deep faith and religiosity, live on in Batanes! The bishop of the prelature of Batanes, Most Reverend Camilo Gregorio, DD, is a very welcoming and hospitable person himself, and he is considered the guardian of the culture and faith of the Ivatan, and the ecology of the Batanes islands.

* * *

Clean and green can be said of nature, but also, and especially, of our souls. Transfiguration, now, means the cleaning and the cleansing of our hearts, and the renewal of our spirits for faith, hope and love. Clean living and more loving!

* * *

We remember the Edsa revolution on Feb. 22-25. May we not forget that one shining moment when we, as a country and as a people, came together and fought together as one. But let us not also forget that transformation, change, and transfiguration do not happen in big moments, but in simple, day to day, ordinary moments. Transfiguration is now, not in some great yesterdays, or in some promising tomorrows. Today, here and now, let us continue to move on and be recipients and agents of transfiguration, transformation and change.

* * *

Think about this: “Every king was once a crying baby; every great building was once a sketch and a drawing. For life is not about who you were yesterday, or who you will be tomorrow, but who you are and what you make of yourself today.”

* * *

Bantay Matanda invites you to a lay forum, “Disaster Preparedness,” at the Tuklong ni San Jose, Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City, on Feb, 27, 9 a.m.-12 noon. For inquiries, please call 373-2262 or 09174167849.

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind us that transfiguration, transformation and change happen here and now. Amen.