C: 2nd Sun of Lent (16 Mar 2019) - ACCIDENTAL CHANGE - Lk 9:28-36

This second Sunday of Lent we have our gospel on the Transfiguration of our Lord, which on this year, we take from the Lukan account. Its obvious difference from Mark and Matthew is that whereas these two evangelists demonstrate a substantial transformation of Jesus’ nature—evident in the use of the Greek word “metamorphosis” (cf. Mk 9:2 and Mt 17:2)—Luke does not denote such an immediate connotation. Rather, his description of Christ’s transfiguration is more of a superficial alteration: only the appearance of his face and the brightness of his clothes changed (Lk 9:39), and not his very natural form.

Employing the Aristotelian language on the difference between essential and accidental change of the properties of a being, we can say that the Lukan Transfiguration scene is accompanied by a mere accidental change of Jesus’ form, without any hint of an essential transformation of his nature as presented in both Mark and Matthew. In Luke, Jesus’ splendor is reflected not in his glorious transformation in becoming divine-like, but in the radiating holiness coming from his mere countenance. We see a similar phenomenon among saints whom we normally portray in iconography as radiating a so-called halo from their heads. We encounter the same in the person of Moses after his encounter with Yahweh in the holy mountain (Exo 34:29-35).

But what does this minute detail tell us especially on this Sunday that we read the Lukan account? Any spiritual change, I surmise, begins with the trivial task of altering our accidental appearance. Though doing such does not guarantee that a radical essential change is soon to happen, at least, it disposes one to take a small step toward it.

Simply put, accidental change to holiness may mean starting with toning down our rough ways and language, or being courteous and smiling in our dealings with others, or being simple in our physical decorum and lifestyle. The best concrete marker to know if we are succeeding on this regard is provided by the Lukan text: our faces should radiate joy, contentment and happiness, to the point that others can genuinely feel God’s indwelling in our lives. Additionally, our clothing and bearing should exhibit an overflowing spiritual brightness that moves others to be detached from material treasures and glory.

With these small daily transfigurations, especially when done in prayer, we inch ourselves closer to the more lasting essential transformation of our character, becoming more Christ-like. Moreover, motivating others to change will also begin from a slight alteration of our outward ways. A parent can encourage children to study well with a visage and parlance that encourage and support, rather than having a pessimistic, threatening, and intrusive approach to parenting. A community leader can animate members to actively participate by creating a proactive and friendly atmosphere that values each other’s presence. A clergy or a pastor can inspire the faithful to go back to church by embarking on a personal reform on his decorum and sense of witnessing. Likewise, a president can spearhead a nationwide drive to excellence and love for the country by being a good-mannered statesman in his words, actions and decisions.

Aiming for a radical and immediate change that cuts short the tedious process is only destined to perdition. Remember, achieving a perfectly diced onion starts by slowly peeling off its outer layer. A tender slicing follows lest it inflicts pain both to the thing and to the self. Carelessly chopping it to save time does not do the trick but causes only more disasters. Similarly, life should be transformed with care, love and tenderness. As we then continue our Lenten reflection, may we work ardently in gaining little meritorious transfigurations each day.

- Rex F. Fortes, CM