Destined for Glory
When Francis Xavier was in Kagoshima, Japan, he met a monk named Ninjutsu, meaning "True Heart," a superior of a monastery in that locality. Francis asked Ninjutsu a question, "Which time of life do you like most, youth or old age?" Ninjutsu replied, "Youth was to be preferred to old age, for then a man's body was strong, his mind clear, and he could do what he wish unhindered.
Francis smiled and said, "Have you ever gone on a long voyage? When do passengers of the ship rejoice? When they are on open sea, buffeted by waves and wind, or when they are in sight of the land and begin to enter the harbor?" Ninjutsu replied, "Father, I know you well. I know that the aspect of the harbor is pleasant and joyful to those who are bound there. But what is my harbor? Where am I bound? It is not yet clear to me… and so I do not know how or where I must land."
This second Sunday of Lent, the Church offers us for reflection and inspiration the Gospel story of Jesus' Transfiguration. It reminds us that, first, Jesus needed to experience it before He suffered. Second, as followers of Jesus, we need to experience the same to keep us focused and persevering in good and holy works this Lenten season.
Knowing the fate that awaited Him, Jesus needed the assurance of an event like the Transfiguration. Prefiguring His glorious resurrection, it gave Him enough strength to drink the "cup of suffering" for our salvation. With His Transfiguration, Jesus was reassured that the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) were behind Him in His mission, and that no less than the Father himself approved of it. With a glorious resurrection awaiting Him after His passion and death, Jesus can now take on the road to Calvary. He was fully aware that death would not be its end, but life; not defeat, but victory; not shame, but glory. The transfiguration was His harbor, so to speak, so that no matter how huge the waves are, or how violent the ocean can be, like a good sailor, Jesus would not let them blur His vision of His destination – His transfiguration realized in His glorious resurrection.
Like Jesus, we are called to always bear in mind our harbor, our destination. Unlike True Heart, we don't suffer from any uncertainty as to where our labors and sacrifices would lead us. Because we are sure of our destiny, and that destiny is glorious. Although buffeted from all sides by trials and difficulties in this ocean of life, if we don't lose sight of our harbor, it's certain that we shall reach our glorious destination.
Therefore, let us never lose sight of Jesus who was transfigured. He is our harbor; He is our port. What happened to Him surely happen to us. But if we persevere to the end, what was given to Him as a reward shall also be ours.
