Jesus is transfigured in glory, giving his astonished disci­ples at his feet a glimpse of the glory of the Resurrection awaiting all who follow him. Jesus’ outstretched arms in the form of the cross remind us that it is through the cross, Jesus comes to the unfading glory of heaven. Moses and Elias in the upper part of the fresco tell us that Jesus’ death and Resur­rection are not an accident of history, but God’s plan already foreshadowed in the Law and the Prophets.

In the midst of our present crisis, there is a haunting question that keeps intruding itself into our thoughts. A disturbing interrogative. Not new. Not uncommon. In fact, it is found in the biblical narrative of Judges. It is Gideon’s question: “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” How could God allow so many people to suffer and die from an illness that knows no age, no race, no nationality? If God is all powerful, why does he allow this? Why does he not intervene?

In 1957, pop sociologist Vance Packard made the New York Times best-seller list for an entire year. His book The Hidden Persuaders explored the dark side of advertising. He exposed the use of motivational psychology that companies were using to advertise their products and entice people to buy them. His point was well taken. People respond to what promises them comfort and security, health and happiness.