Pain Is Good

2nd Sunday of Lent
17 February 2008

First reading: Genesis 12:1 - 4
The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your family and your father’s house, for the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name so famous that it will be used as a blessing.
‘I will bless those who bless you:
I will curse those who slight you.
All the tribes of the earth
shall bless themselves by you.’

So Abram went as the Lord told him, and Lot went with him.

Second reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-10
So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy – not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace. This grace had already been granted to us, in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time, but it has only been revealed by the Appearing of our saviour Christ Jesus. He abolished death, and he has proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News.

Gospel: Matthew 17:1 - 9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead’.

Reflection
By Anabelle Payod-Balla

I remember the rehearsal days when Anluwage was on its peak doing stage plays. The members were recruited from different groups and I am one of them. Most of us don’t have any experience or the skills yet to act on stage. But the calling was there, so loud, so enticing. "Media for God, Servants on Stage", was the battle cry. What a beautiful purpose to pursue!

I expected all fun and I was wrong. The directors were serious and made us go through series of exercises that made our bodies ache with muscle pain and brought our frustration tolerance to the lowest level as they shout and throw angry words. It was indeed a difficult process. It was so tempting to quit. What kept me moving forward is the knowledge that these directors know what they’re doing to bring out the best in us and to ensure a very good performance so we can celebrate a well deserved success. Those rehearsals improved not only my acting skills but my personality and self confidence as well. I became better than who I was previously.

We are now on the 2nd Sunday of Lent and when I hear the word Lent, I always thought of Jesus’ suffering - the greatest test of faith I’ve ever heard. It makes me wonder how Jesus overcame this test. He knows what kind of suffering and death awaits Him and yet He didn’t falter. He and His chosen disciples have a glimpse of what success look like during His transfiguration where God reaffirmed and reassured them that Jesus is truly His Beloved Son, the Chosen One. Like Abram in the First Reading, He completely put His trust on His Father and followed His will. And because of His obedience and trust, He conquered death and was completely transformed to God’s likeness.

Pain is good when trust in God’s plan is there. Surely, it will lead to glory and lasting joy.

Let us reflect on Jesus’ suffering this Lenten season and rejoice in the thought that Easter will come soon, easing away the pains and replacing them with lasting joy. May we remember these events every time we go through trials and difficulties and keep the hope of achieving great joys and a higher level of being.

Father, let Your mercy be on us as we place our trust in You. We thank you for all the trials and difficulties that come our way. They make us stronger, wiser, and closer to You. Amen.

Be not afraid. God is with us as we go through His process of perfection.