Darkness and Fear Reveal the Lord

Homily for the Second Sunday in Lent

Today’s Lenten journey takes us through some mysterious divine encounters that are outside the norms of human experience.

God’s covenant with Abram (whose name would become Abraham) included a promise of multiplication:  your descendants will be as numerous as the stars.  Despite his old age (and knowing the age of his wife), Abram believed the word that came to him.  A further promise ensued, which would require covenant sacrifices.  After preparing these animals, Abram stayed to ward off birds of prey and waited until dark for further instructions.  In his fatigue, he was enveloped by a “deep, terrifying darkness” in which a theophany appeared -- an unseen being apparently carried a flaming torch and fire pot among the carcasses of the sacrificed animals, fulfilling ceremonial duties associated with covenant-making.  God was fulfilling those duties, showing his faithfulness to Abram in the midst of Abram’s weakness and fear.  

This story provides inspiration as we witness Abram’s faith despite good reasons for uncertainty.  It also displays God’s faithfulness in dealing with our human condition.  Darkness incubates fears that emerge from uncertainty.  Are we truly alone in the darkness (an unsettling thought), or, perhaps, does the darkness hide an unseen adversary?  The unseen torch bearer provides another possibility:  perhaps we are accompanied by someone who loves us and will go to great lengths to protect us from that adversary.  

The Gospel account of the Transfiguration provides another mysterious encounter.  Like Abram, Peter and the others were overcome by fatigue.  They emerged from their slumber to encounter their friend Jesus in a glorified state, speaking with two men.  Peter recognized Moses and Elijah, even though he had never met them or seen their images.  Presumably Peter discerned this from the conversations they were having with Jesus. St. Luke tells us that they were talking about his “exodus,” his death. Both Moses and Elijah had experienced their own “exodus” and were the perfect people to talk with Jesus about what was about to happen to him.

It was an uncomfortable situation that Peter had to normalize by discussing tents and food, more familiar topics. We know that Peter did not agree with Jesus when he said he would be killed. I cannot help but laugh at Peter’s reaction because I see myself also saying dumb things in uncomfortable situations.  Peter’s discomfort continued as a mysterious cloud appeared and fear came upon them, not unlike Abram’s fear.   A voice spoke to them, which told them to listen, which surely, they did.  They pondered this experience to prepare them to understand even greater mysteries about the Kingdom of God as their journey continued.

Encountering God, who is neither safe nor tame, is not a ticket to safety and security in this life.  Yet, with the Psalmist, we cry out in faith seeking His deliverance and comfort in the midst of uncertainties, knowing somehow that we are not alone and that God is truly good: “I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.”

During this Lenten journey, let us listen intently with Peter.  Let us have a holy fear, not like those about whom Paul writes in his letter, whose end is destruction and who follow their own pleasure.  Let us also join with Abraham in holding on to God’s faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of our weakness and our fears.   We fool ourselves by thinking we need to know everything before we can proceed, as such certainty is unattainable.  Let us instead cultivate wonder, through which we may open our souls to learn and grow as God allows us to encounter Him as we journey onward.  Thanks be to God.

• Edward Morse
  Creighton University’s School of Law