REMAIN FAITHFUL IN THE LORD

II SUNDAY OF LENT - Luke 9:28-36

On this second Sunday of Lent, we are presented with the Transfiguration of Jesus before three disciples chosen for that extraordinary experience. Jesus took them to the mountain to pray. In prayer, we come into the presence of God, and for that, we need to elevate ourselves, leaving behind the cares of this world. At prayer, we put ourselves at God’s disposal to be touched by his power, mercy and love. We must allow God to fill our hearts and our lives. On Sinai, Moses was drawn into the cloud that represented the mystery of God’s glory.  And that glory was so overwhelming that people felt afraid. On the mountain of transfiguration, Peter, James and John went through the same experience and were touched by God’s glory manifested in Jesus. It was an experience beyond time and space, which filled them with joy and peace. Still in the body but already in heaven, Peter cried joyfully: “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here!” With Jesus, they saw Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the Prophets for the disciples to understand that the old covenant leads to Jesus, the giver of the new covenant. Sharing the glory of Jesus, Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus about his passing that would take place in Jerusalem. Jesus was ready to offer his life in sacrifice, thus opening the way for us to share in his glory. From heaven, the Father testified that Jesus is the “Chosen One”, the Son. Being the Son, we must listen to him. And we are left in no doubt about that. The commandment is clear: “Listen to him.”

In the second reading, taken from the letter to the Philippians, Paul makes clear the implications of this commandment: Jesus Christ is the Saviour who comes from heaven to transform our bodies in the manner of his “glorious body”. As pilgrims here on Earth, we live in the hope of reaching “our homeland” in heaven.  For us to share in God’s glory, we must remain faithful and follow the same rule of life as Paul, which implies carrying the cross of Jesus Christ.

With the psalmist let us pray: 

The Lord is my light and my help.

It is your face, O Lord, that I seek;

  hide not your face.

Dismiss not your servant in anger;

  you have been my help.

The Lord is my light and my help.

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness

  in the land of the living.

Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.

  Hope in the Lord!

The Lord is my light and my help. (Psalm 27)