Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 17, 2019): GN 15:5-12,17-18; PS 27:1,7-8,8-9,13-14; PHIL 3:17 – 4:1; LK 9:28-36
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we hear the story of the Transfiguration of Christ when the Apostles who knew and loved Him best saw Him revealed in His divine glory.
“Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up to the mountain to pray. While He was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white.... Moses and Elijah… appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus that He was going to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:28-29, 31). The Gospel goes on to show just how confused and amazed Jesus’s followers were. They had just had a great insight about this Man they thought they knew. No wonder Peter talks foolishly about putting up tents. Then, when the three disciples probably think they have had enough miraculous events for one day, they get another. The voice of God claims Jesus as own His Son and instructs them to listen to Him.
Listen to Jesus. This Man is the Son of Mary is also the Son of Almighty God. Listen to Jesus. That’s simple advice for the Apostles and for us. Yet is will take every minute of every day of our lives to understand, even in our limited human way what He tells us – and what He asks of us. Happily, we do not have to struggle on our own how we are to respond to our Lord. Just as Moses and Elijah discussed Jesus’ “exodus” with Him, we can learn to appreciate what that exodus means to us. His passion and death, resurrection and ascension will lead all of us who follow His way into the Heavenly Jerusalem.