Second Sunday of Lent
There came a point in the ministry of Jesus when events took a turn for the worse and a decision had to be made regarding its future direction. Accompanied by three of his closest associates, Peter, James and John, Jesus retired up the mountain to seek the guidance of God the Father in quiet prayer. As he prayed, he seemed to be fully taken up into another world. His face was bathed in light and at his side were Moses the lawgiver and Elijah the prophet. Deep in conversation with them he was made aware of the full extent of his suffering and death. It was only through the passion and cross that he would come to the glory of the resurrection. In the midst of this severe message the apostles were enveloped by a cloud and experienced a radiant glimpse of God’s presence. Shielding their eyes they saw Jesus transformed by a dazzling splendor and heard the voice of God the Father in heaven declare: “This is my Son, the Chosen One, listen to him.’ The vision passed and the moment of insight into Christ’s real personality was over. All was peace and quiet, and they went back to face the harsh realities of life.
The purpose of the transfiguration on the mountain was to make the apostles aware of the divine presence in the man with whom they walked and talked and to establish beyond all doubt in their minds that Jesus was the Son of God. It revealed to the disciples who their master really was and by giving them a taste of future glory, prepared them for the humiliation of the passion. When they first cast their lot to follow Jesus, little did Peter, James and John realize the price they would be asked to pay on the journey. Now they discovered that it would involve huge sacrifices. Christ was inviting them to crawl up the hill of Calvary and carve their names on the foot of the cross.
Experience teaches us that nothing worthwhile in life is ever simple or straightforward. The message of the transfiguration that there is a connection between suffering and death and the resurrection and glory. When things are difficult and the haul is very long it is good to remember that there is no short cut to glory. Real happiness and peace of mind only come after Calvary because the cross and suffering are inescapable.
The transfiguration speaks of the gradual process of change that takes place in our lives when, like the apostles, we accompany Christ on the road to Calvary. We become so taken up with the everyday concerns of living that we often lose sight of the end to which we have been called. At times we are dragged down with feelings of failure and worthlessness but suddenly a piece of good news, a spark of joy, hope or love changes our outlook and we see our lives in a new and better light.
Lent affords an opportunity, through prayer and fasting, for putting the house of our soul in spiritual shape. It teaches us that the road to heaven is by the sweat of our brow through the daily chores of work and putting up with the frustrations and disappointments of family living. By rooting out prejudice, selfishness, and hatred we are better able to meet all people with love, understanding and compassion. The gospel tells us that a successful relationship with Jesus can improve us, and make a difference to our lives. Jesus does not change the world but he can transform our hearts if we let him. We all grow brighter the more we are turned into the God-like image we are meant to reflect. The transfiguration is about letting the glory of God shine through us so that others can catch a glimpse of that glory.
On Mount Tabor the Father said to Jesus: ‘This is
my beloved Son, listen to him’. As his beloved sons and daughters we
confidently place our needs before him.
1. We pray that church leaders may radiate the loving presence of Christ by their example. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray that during this Lent we may show forth the glory of God in our kind actions and generous almsgiving. Lord, hear us.
3. We pray that those who are in real danger of losing their way in life because of feelings of failure and worthlessness may realize that God has promised them a share in his glory. Lord, hear us.
4. We pray for all the sick and the handicapped that they may bear their crosses with courage and strength. Lord, hear us.
5. We pray for our beloved dead, that they may share in the splendor of the risen Christ. Lord, hear us.
God our Father, accept these prayers, which we offer in faith. Fill our hearts with your love and keep us faithful to the gospel of Christ. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.