Light Shows are a phenomenon of our technological and digital age. The opening show of the Winter Olympic was a work of art, beauty and mystery that got our attention, engaged our imaginations and made visible the hidden treasures that only the ingenious use of light could make visible to us.

Our readings this Sunday are about light shows. Light shows far more significant than those conceived by humans. They are shows without endings that we continue to live into and continue to light our way to the treasures that God offers us.

In our First Reading God invites Abram to go outside and "Look up at the sky and count the stars if you can." Who of us is not captivated by a magnificent star-studded sky? God calls Abram to come apart and look, not a passive looking but an intentional looking. Abram heeds God's call and God reveals to him the plan he has for him and his descendents. Abram is overwhelmed by God's Word to him and asks "how am I to know that this shall be?" It is hard for Abram to begin to imagine what God has in store for him and what hidden treasures are awaiting him and his descendents. But the inner light that this experience of God provided for Abram, enabled him to enter into a covenant with God; a covenant without end and always unfolding as Abram and his descendents remain faithful to God. Abram had listened to God.

Like Abram, Peter, John and James are invited to come apart and be with Jesus as he climbed the mountain to pray. And to their amazement, they were overwhelmed as Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. An incredible light illumined for them a vision of Jesus in a captivating scene with Moses and Elijah. It is a scene that highlights the Law and the Prophets and Jesus the fulfillment of both. In their uncertainty about what all of this meant, the apostles expressed their desire to build three tents then and there. But a cloud of darkness overshadowed them and then they heard the voice of God "This is my chosen Son: listen to him." Through the Transfiguration of Jesus, this moment of profound light, God had gotten the attention of Peter, John and James. Their imaginations were ignited to do something but God's plan was simpler but more sure than theirs. "Listen to Him". For in listening to Jesus the treasures of truth and love would be revealed.

Our ancestors in faith were attentive to God's call and heeded God's Word. This season of Lent God calls to each of us. God invites us to the mountain top to pray as well as to intentionally look at God's power and presence that surrounds us. We are invited during this holy season to renew our covenant with God; to free our imaginations to embrace the conversions we need and to discover again the hidden treasure of God's Word that is ours when we but "Listen to him." And not only must we listen to Him but we must allow the Word of God transfigure us so that our light may shine for the transformation of our wounded world.

Theresa Lardner, OP