Year B
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Today’s gospel presents the scene of the transfiguration wherein, Jesus was utterly transformed while praying with three of his Apostles (Peter, James and John) on Mount Tabor. Jesus’s entire being radiated resplendent brightness. It was an absolutely stunning experience for the Apostles, reason why Peter exclaimed: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here”(Cf. Gospel Reading).
· This transfiguration experience was meant to rekindle the hope of the Apostles who were downcast after hearing about Jesus’ imminent suffering and death in Jerusalem.
· Jesus willingly suffered and shed his blood for our sins so that we may be reconciled with God and so be able to enjoy the glorious life of heaven, the foretaste of which, we experience here on earth (Cf. Prayer after Communion). We have this foretaste of heavenly life when we pray, participate in the sacraments, live in mutual love and do works of charity.
· Let us be encouraged by the hope that is founded on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Indeed, “God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all” (Cf. 2nd Reading).
· This hope moves us to trust God even when greatly afflicted by difficulties (Cf. Responsorial Psalm).
· This hope also enables us to readily make sacrifices, trusting in the providence of God. This is the great example we draw from Abraham (Cf. 1stReading).
· Abraham remained steadfast in hope as he humbly obeyed God in what should have been a moment of anxiety, distress, and sadness.
· We could probably be facing huge challenges in our lives. Our loved ones may probably be going through rough times. These and other challenges could leave us sad and anxious.
· May the words of Jesus strengthen our hope, so that we may not rely solely on our strength but more importantly on the grace of the Holy Spirit (Cf. CCC 1817).
2nd Sunday in Lent
Catholicism of the Catholic Church References:
CCC 554-556,568: the Transfiguration
CCC 59, 145-146, 2570-2572: the obedience of Abraham
CCC 153-159: characteristics of faith
CCC 2059: God manifests his glory to make known his will
CCC 603, 1373, 2634, 2852: Christ is for us
The second Sunday of Lent is marked by the mystery of the Transfiguration. The Collect, the Gospel and the Preface all articulate different aspects of the mystery.
The association of the Transfiguration and Lent is primitive. There is an ancient tradition that the glory of Jesus was made manifest forty days before Passover and the Passion. This might explain why the feast of the Transfiguration was placed on August 6, forty days before the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14.
The connection between the Transfiguration and the Passion is made in the Preface for this Sunday: For after he had told the disciples of his coming death, on the holy mountain he manifested to them his glory, to show, even by the testimony of the law and the prophets, that the Passion leads to the glory of the Resurrection.
Jesus was not providing encouragement for his bewildered disciples there and then. All would flee in his hour of need, and Peter would deny him. But, after the Resurrection, then the mystery would strengthen their hearts.
Easter Day is the great light which makes all comprehensible. The Transfiguration is the lesser light which, in the light of the greater, perfects the understanding. The testimony of Moses and Elijah, interpreted by the risen Lord makes sense of Calvary; the cross can now be seen growing brighter and brighter, shining with a light not seen before, but all its own.
These hymns have been picked and chosen from different sources.
If God is for us (CFE295, L793, LHON354)
Be still, for the presence of the Lord (CFE72, L720, LHON165)
Immortal, invisible (CFE301, L725, LHON361, TCH225)
Be thou my vision (CFE74, L970, LHON168)
Key
CFE - Celebration Hymnal for Everyone
L – Laudate
LHON – Liturgical Hymns Old and New (Mayhew, 1999)
TCH – The Catholic Hymnbook (Gracewing)
Do you have questions about the liturgy and how we are called to participate in it? Explore how the Church councils, saints, and popes have answered this key question and many more.
Every movement of the Mass is rich in meaning but we can become over-familiar with it. Rediscover the Mass and explore how it relates to the Exodus story, where many of its rituals come from, and how it makes Jesus present to us today.
