Recognition / Transfiguration (2021-02-28, Lent Sunday-02)

February 28, 2021 –  Lent , 2^nd Sunday  (Year B)

●● Genesis 22:1-2,9a, 10-13,15-18  ●●  Psalm 116 ●● Romans 8:31b-34 ●● + Mark 9:2-10 ●●

 Reaction. Recognition. Reconnection.

 [__01__]     Part 1a. Recognition. “Tested”

          A few years ago, I happened to see someone I grew up with in high grade school and school. I had not seen him in 20+ years. At this social event, he was standing right next to 2 of my friends ...first I saw him from about 12 feet away. He was on the other side of the kitchen. I did not recognize him.

          Then I walked right up to him …I still did not recognize him.  Because I still looked confused… I actually needed someone to introduce me to him, to tell me his name….

          Or … I needed some facial recognition software

          I was really surprised when I realized this was someone I knew quite well.

VOICE - RECOGNITITION       

What was also interesting to me …in that example.. as soon as my old friend started talking… then I recognized him…… I recognized his voice actually more than I recognized his appearance.

RECOGNITION – when we are in dispute. Listen !

          Talk / Listen. This is also a reminder to us that when we feel that we are separated from someone, or upset with someone…or judging someone only by appearance, one of the hardest things to to do..but most important things to do is to talk… to them…to really listen to them. By talking – by really listening – we come to know the whole person, and we can see and understand something we did not see at a distance.

Part 1b. Recognition. Technology

I read this by a technology writer about smartphones:

A year ago, when Apple rolled out the iPhone X, one of their most touted features was facial ID. You no longer needed to press a home button or use a passcode. You could unlock your phone with your face. It was the first time I’d really seen facial recognition software being practically used. You probably use something every day with facial recognition software even if you don’t realize it—I’m looking at you Snapchat and Instagram face filters.

 Facial recognition is actually becoming a usable reality and not in the scary way we’ve seen in sci-fi movies. It’s now in several consumer tech devices. Almost every major phone company has a phone with some form of facial recognition built in. Companies are even pitching it for ideas from policing to retail.

 

          One thing that is kind of scary – at least to me – is that you can upload a group photo to Instagram and you do not have to figure out who you are friends are…Instagram will label your friends for you. Instagram etc. has facial recognition software.

  Part 2. Recognition. “Transfiguration”

          In this episode of the Transfiguration, the disciples are dazzled by Jesus’ bright white appearance… with clothes brighter than any fuller or dry cleaner could bleach them.

          But, they are really told to recognize him by his voice…not simply by his appearance.

          Do we trust a person only by his or voice? Wouldn’t we prefer to see up close in person? Or at least on a screen with Zoom or Facetime?

 

Part 3. Recognition. “The Resurrection”

Just before this particular Gospel episode, there was real “face time” and face-to-face contact between Jesus and Peter and the apostles, and in this face-to-face episode, it was revealed that Jesus is the Messiah.

Peter himself identified Jesus by face and name…and as Jesus said… it was not flesh or blood – or Google or Instagram – that enabled you – Peter  to know this, but it has been revealed to you by God.

In other words, Peter heard God speak to him.

So, that “facial recognition” of the Messiah happened right before this episode on the mountain.

In this episode, the disciples are told – again that Jesus must suffer and die …but now also that he would rise from the dead.

They leave the mountain confused – they are not sure what “rising from the dead meant”.

They need a spiritual-software upgrade…that will be coming as they learn and travel more with Jesus as their Savior. They do not learn everything all at once. Nor do we.

Part 4. Recognition. “Abraham and Isaac”

In the Book of Genesis, a request is made of the ancient patriarch: Abraham.   Abraham shows steadfastness and perseverance of Abraham, though Abraham is asked to do what we think is impossible, unfair, or both.

In the online Bible study – “The Bible In a Year” (Father Mike Schmitz), I heard an excellent explanation of this episode and why it is such a foundation of our faith. This particular episode was Day 11.

It may be hard to put ourselves in Abraham’s shoes, because we cannot imagine God asking us to surrender to him – intentionally – the most valuable thing in our lives – in this case, Abraham’s son, Isaac.

Here’s the thing about the Apple iPhone X or Instagram or any other example of facial recognition software. It works – really only works – when we allow ourselves to be seen, when we reveal ourselves to God, to the Father Son and Holy Spirit.

In the Book of Genesis, we see Abraham trusting and revealing himself to God … as part of this very significant episode of sacrificing his Son.

In this regard, the episode is pre-figures and predicts what happens on Calvary. God the Father also gives up his Son.      

But, in the case of Jesus, the Son, he goes willingly, voluntarily.

He also knows that death is not the end of the story.       

This is Abraham’s faith as well.

On his way to the sacrifice asked by God, Abraham says to his 2 hired workers who have traveled with him and Isaac. Abraham says, “You 2 wait here while Isaac and I go over there and then we will come back to you.”

It’s almost like Jesus at the Last Supper: “and if I go, I go to prepare a place for you, to come back and take you to myself.”

Abraham trusts that even if Isaac’s life should be taken, even if Isaac dies, they will be together again one day. That God can and will restore Isaac’s life.

And, this is the message for you and for me.

When we are asked to give up something or someone of value, or give up our time or energy or money, as a sacrifice to God, we are called to trust that we are going to get back, 30, 60 or hundred fold, if not in this life then in the next.

 Part 5. Recognition. “Death of a child”

When have I seen this? Why do I believe this? I have seen this at Abraham and Isaac type of moments for the parents and grandparents who have suffered the death – the dying – of a child who predeceases them.     

There is no greater sorrow. Truly, such a mother or father, grandfather or grandmother has now suffered a separation from themselves.

But, I have also seen such inspiring hope and perseverance that God will restore their beloved child to them.

It is not because they can see. There is no facial recognition software, but there is a type of – shall we say – Caller I.D. that they trust in God. They hear Him. They do as the disciples are asked to put their attention and trust in our savior at a time of uncertainty and great sorrow

This is my beloved son, listen to him. [_fin_]