Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. I can’t think of the Transfiguration anymore without thinking of what Dr. Allen Hunt said about it as part of Dynamic Catholic’s “Best Lent Ever” campaign a few years ago.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray . . .

And Andrew was left behind. Andrew, Peter’s brother. Andrew, business partner of James and John. Andrew, who INTRODUCED SIMON PETER TO JESUS in the first place.

That had to sting, being the lone guy from the group of fishermen left out. After all, the deepest desire of the human heart is to be known and accepted.

It would be very human, and very understandable, to feel resentful.

The thing is, none of the Gospels mention Andrew complaining, or moping, or holding a grudge. Why is that? I hope it’s because Andrew knew Jesus DID see him. He knew Jesus DID love him.

This is all speculation, of course, but I like to think Andrew knew Jesus well enough, and loved Jesus well enough, to understand that Jesus leaving him out wasn’t a personal slight.

I like to think Andrew was man enough to recognize he didn’t need to feel self-conscious, self-centered, or self-pitying. I hope he didn’t completely lose perspective. After all, what he had found in Jesus was SO MUCH MORE than simply the opportunity of being on that mountain.

I like to think St. Andrew understood that if he’d really need to be up there on that mountain with Peter, James, and John, Jesus would have made sure to bring him too.

I like to think Andrew was secure enough in his friendship with Jesus to understand all that I said above, to trust Jesus, and to appreciate the deep, life-giving relationship with Jesus that he knew even without witnessing the transfiguration.

May we all pray for such humility and such a friendship with Jesus.

The fact is, none of us get to pick our place, our role, our strengths, or our calling from the Lord. God is the potter. We are the clay. It’s up to Him to mold and shape us.