Jesus went up the mountain…
Jesus took Peter, James and John and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; when they awoke, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. (Lk. 9:28-32)
Jesus, Moses and Elijah.
Salvation history is recapitulated in the dialogue between them. It is a story that takes place in time, in the presence of God, yet the three privileged ones–Peter, James and John–are fast asleep! They will also be overcome by sleep in Gethsemane. It seems that, at key moments, Jesus’ favorites can’t stay awake!
Nevertheless, their failure to remain alert is consoling, for we too are often incapable of the vigilance characteristic of lovers. Yet the Lord brings his salvation to completion. It is he who keeps watch in our stead, and his vigil wakes us from our mortal sleep.
May I love you, Lord,
and, loving you,
may I keep vigil
like a person who is loved.
Do not let my spirit
wallow in apathetic indifference,
in cool cynicism.
Awaken me
like a lover awakens his beloved.
Open my eyes today
and on the last day
to your radiant beauty.
Amen.
From the book Il Vangelo si fa strada by Roberta Vinerba, FSP Editions
