Eze felt like laying his head down on his desk and going to sleep, He was tired this Friday afternoon, the workload having been especially tough that day.

Missed deadlines, irate customers, disgruntled employees – and there had been more problems at home. His teenage son was caught sneaking out late one night. The family dog died suddenly, and his wife was having a hard time with one of the neighbours. As he stared down at his desk, almost in a dream, he heard these words deep his heart: “Do not fear. I am with you!” Along with these words came a sense of peace and calm. Gradually, Eze began to feel more light-hearted. He knew God was with him.

Like Eze, we all have our “challenges”: difficult and painful situations through which we must pass. And, as Eze-and the Israelites in Zechariah’s time-found out, it’s only as we pass through this wall of fire that we find intimacy with God on the other side. In find that by passing through it, this “wall of fire” is transformed into a ring of safety and protection, purification and hope, without which we would never have grown so close to the Lord.

God wanted to tell the Israelites returning from exile that he loved them and would never abandon them-not during times of hardship particularly. Like the Israelites, we may not be aware of God’s presence during these times, but in faith we can still be confident that he is standing right next to us, guarding us and supporting us.

Difficulties and trials come to all of us. Yet passages like today’s reading can reassure us that every trial can be transformed. God is big enough and strong enough to bring us through any challenge we face, in the process, making us stronger and wiser.

The next time you find yourself in the midst of a tough problem, remember that God is standing right next to you. Try to imagine yourself being transformed as you pass through that particular wall of lire”. God is all good, and he loves you immensely. Trust in him. He is with you.

LET US PRAY:
Father, once again we surrender our lives into your hands. Do with us what you will, for we know that you are good and loving and will never leave us or forsake us. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen

THE CHURCH TEACHES:
From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things … and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James, and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. “A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” CCC 554