"Lord, it is good that we are here."
If you listen carefully at the beginning of Mass with Fr. Adam, you'll hear him say similar words. "It is good for us to be here." At this point in the Gospel story, Peter, James and John have seen Jesus revealed as who he is: his face shining like the sun and his clothes as white as light. Even Moses and Elijah stand talking with him. It is not until later, when the voice of the Father speaks from the cloud, that they become afraid. For now, they are content, buoyed by hope, at peace. They know this is something special and that they belong. It is good that we are here.
I'll often use similar words at a funeral. It is good for us to be here. In that case, there may be significant pain and sadness. In a word, it's hard, but there is no other place we should be. Our presence at a funeral is a sign of the love we shared with the one who has died and their importance in our lives. It gives us the chance to pray for them and for each other. We offer the gift we have received through their life back to God. In our profound loss, it reminds us we are not alone and, if touched by grace, to have the hope of the world and life beyond. That the door of death is the door to eternal life. It is good that we are here.
When Fr. Adam uses these words in greeting at the beginning of mass, they carry much of the same meaning. It is good for us to be here. This is special and where we belong. Jesus is revealed to us as who he is and heaven and earth meet. All the communion of saints join in and, no matter what burden we are carrying, we know we are not alone. We may find contentment, hope, and peace. In short, this is where we love and are loved. Welcome home, everybody.
It is not part of the plan, however, to stay high on the mountain. Rise, and do not be afraid. Jesus descends the mountain on his mission of love. The messiah, after all, has come to save us. His sacrifice will be our life. His cross, our deliverance. His death, our hope. The blood and water from his side, a flood of mercy. His resurrection is the final verdict that the universe is not indifferent, all our lives are not worthless, everything doesn't just end in cold and emptiness and darkness. We are not alone. Love conquers even death itself. This! This is good news.
At the end of mass, we are sent down the mountain, back to our mission field. Rise, and do not be afraid. Have courage, for God is at our side. Take up your cross daily. Follow Jesus. Let your life be poured out for others. Shoulder burdens, lighten hearts, pray. Share the joy of life and love. Do small things with great love. Be the miracle someone is praying for. Be good news for others. Be a beacon of God's love. In these ways, may others also say of us, it is good that we are here.