THE SYNOD AND THE LORD’S TRANSFIGURATION

 
 
 
 
THE SYNOD AND THE LORD’S TRANSFIGURATION
 
Homily for the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan for August 6, 2017 to prepare for the Second Synod of Lingayen Dagupan
 
We celebrate today the transfiguration of Christ at Mount Tabor. In the presence of the apostles Peter, James and John, Christ became radiantly bright; then Moses and Elijah appeared too and he spoke with them.
 
The transfiguration of Christ foreshows the glory that awaited him beyond the crucifixion. The apostles were shown Christ transfigured so that when the gloomy events of Good Friday came about, they would remember having seen Christ’s glory and remain faithful and hopeful.
 
The transfiguration is not just a pre-announcement of the glory awaiting Christ. It also reveals the radiance of the fullness of life that will also be ours.
 
The transfiguration is our story too. As we look at Christ transfigured, we are also challenged to look into our hearts and souls. We are challenged to bravely cast away from our souls and hearts all obstacles to a full intimacy with Christ.
 
The transfiguration invites conversion. Peering into the glory of Christ, we must turn aside everything unworthy of our true friendship with him. We cannot receive the luster of Mount Tabor unless we shed off the filth of sin and disgrace.
 
The transfiguration invites us to configuration. It invites us to imitate Christ, to enter into intimacy with him. The task of configuration implies entering into a mystical relationship with the Infinite.
 
Being configured to Christ, the transfiguration challenges us to communicate Him to the world. The apostles came down from Tabor in order to carry on the mission of the Lord. Everyone who sets his heart to be configured to Christ must leave comforts and conveniences and proclaim His good news.
 
On September 2 to 9 next, we shall convoke a SYNOD for the Church in Lingayen Dagupan. The Archbishop together with the priests, lay leaders and consecrated persons will come together to envision the Church of Lingayen Dagupan in the next ten years leading to your centenary in 2028.
 
 
Like the transfiguration, the Synod calls for conversion. It calls for a shedding off of all customs and approaches and lifestyles that may have become contrary to our Christian baptismal duties.
 
Like the transfiguration, the goal of the Synod is that all our Catholic faithful be more and more configured to Christ so that all of us may be luminaries not in the sense of being celebrities; luminaries who are lights of the world, silently proclaiming Christ.
 
Finally, the Synod is a call to communicate to the world. The Church in Lingayen Dagupan must wiggle away from being self-concerned and self-referential. We are sent to bring life to the world.
 
****