THE gospel episode about the Transfiguration of the Lord (cfr. Mk 9,2-10) reminds us that like Christ we are meant to be transfigured in our definitive state of life in heaven for all eternity.
This is, of course, a very incredible truth of faith about ourselves. It definitely requires tremendous faith from us. That’s why, in the first reading of the Mass of the 2nd Sunday of Lent, (cfr. Gen 22,1-2.9a.10-13.15-18) we are told about the great faith of Abraham who believed what was told him no matter how incredible the messages God gave him were.
We also are given a reassurance of why this faith is all worthwhile in spite of its incredible character in the 2nd reading (cfr. Rom 8,31-34) where St. Paul tells us, “If God be for us, who is against us? He that spared not even his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how has he not also with him given us all things.”
In the face of such a tremendous truth of our faith about ourselves, we should just say, Amen, so be it, Lord. If that is what you want us to be, who are we to question? Let’s also remember that faith of Mary when she was told she was going to be the mother of the Son of God. Even if she did not fully understand how it was going to be, she just said, “Be it done to me, according to your word.”
Let’s not waste time analyzing too much this supernatural truth about ourselves that will always be a mystery to us. Let us just do our best in pursuing the goal of our earthly life to become more and more like Christ. Thus, at the end of each day, as we make some kind of accounting as to how our day went, we should ask ourselves, “Is there some progress or growth in my pursuit to become more and more like Christ today?”
We have to be clear about this point. We are meant to assume the identity of Christ. And that is not a gratuitous, baseless assertion, much less, a fiction or a fantasy. It is founded on a fundamental truth of our faith that we have been created by God in his own image and likeness.
And this truth of faith has been vividly shown to us since it is acted out in the whole history and economy of salvation that culminated in Christ offering his life and his very own self as the Bread of Life so we can have the eternal life with him, and so that he and us can be one.
We have to arrive at that point where we can make St. Paul’s words as our own too: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” (Gal 2,20)
We just have to learn to set aside whatever difficulty or awkwardness we may have in dealing with this basic truth of faith about ourselves. We have to try our best to know Christ and to adapt his very own mind and will, his own ways, behavior and reactions to whatever situation we may find ourselves in.
Inevitable losses
As individuals progress through the stages of life, they inevitably experience the effects of aging, a natural process that entails many losses. It’s synonymous with losing valuable things, manifesting in numerous ways. Individuals must confront and adapt to a myriad of challenges as they journey through the complexities of growing older.
Most noticeably, there is a decline in physical health, depriving one of mobility, strength, and vitality. As individuals age, they experience a gradual deterioration of their physical functions, making it more challenging to engage in activities they once enjoyed and relied upon. Everyday tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of bed, may become increasingly difficult, with the decrease in overall physical fitness and quality of life. Not only that but aging often brings about a heightened susceptibility to chronic conditions and illnesses, the loss of physical well-being and autonomy.
Aging also leads to a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. As individuals grow older, they may notice subtle changes in their mental acuity, including difficulty recalling information, concentrating on tasks, or processing complex information. These cognitive changes impact one’s ability to perform daily activities, engage in meaningful conversations, or make informed decisions, resulting in memory loss, intellectual capacity, and self-efficacy. And if conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease would sneak in, it would further erode cognitive functioning, causing challenges in maintaining independence and autonomy.
Furthermore, aging often entails the loss of social connections and relationships, as individuals may experience changes in their social networks, friendships, and support systems. As people age, they may witness the passing of loved ones, the drifting apart of friends, or the physical distance from family members, all of which can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and social disconnection. The loss of meaningful relationships can have psychological impacts, as individuals may struggle to find companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging in their later years. Stigma and discrimination can further isolate older adults, restricting their opportunities for social engagement, participation, and inclusion in society.
Old age further results in the loss of financial security and stability, as individuals may experience changes in their income, savings, and employment status. Retiring from a long-standing career or facing unexpected financial hardships can impact one’s financial well-being and sense of security, raising concerns about future expenses, healthcare costs, and overall financial stability. The loss of financial resources can limit one’s ability to access essential goods and services, maintain a comfortable standard of living, or plan for retirement, hence one’s feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and vulnerability.
Here’s more, aging also entails a loss of identity, purpose, and significance, as old persons may grapple with feelings of invisibility, irrelevance, or marginalization in society. As they age, they may confront ageist attitudes, stereotypes, and biases that diminish their self-worth, dignity, and value in the eyes of others. The loss of identity leads to a diminished sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, as individuals struggle to find meaning in their later years and pursue meaningful goals, aspirations, and opportunities for personal growth and development. The erosion of identity can have tremendous psychological implications, given those feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or despair in the face of uncertainty and change.
In a world that idealizes youth and beauty, we can just imagine how an old person gets pressured to maintain a youthful appearance, hence the use of anti-wrinkles, hair coloring, and other formulas to combat aging but failing to do so in the long run.