Readings: Gen. 15:5-12,17-18, Ps. 27:1,7-9,13-14, Phil. 3:17-4:1, Luke 9:28-36
“Jesus took Peter, John and James with him, and went to the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.” (Luke 9:28-30)
In today’s First Reading, Abraham demands certainty from God: “How am I to know that I shall possess it?” Abraham needed something he could hold on to as an assurance that God would fulfil His Promise. Meanwhile, in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus provides certainty to Peter, James, and John when He took them up the mountain and was transfigured before them. Today’s liturgy proclaims one strong message: “Do not be discouraged. After the Cross comes the Crown of Glory.” There are many lessons in today’s readings:
One: Heaven is Worth the Struggle
When Peter exclaimed: “It is wonderful to be here,” he summarised what heaven will be like. When we reach that state of the beatific vision, when we get to behold God face to face, we receive our crowns and join the choirs of angels singing Hallelujahs, we too shall say: It is wonderful to be here. Peter immediately thought about building tents, because he did not want to leave. I bet no one who has seen heaven would love to return here.
Two: Jesus is the Fulfilment of the Law and Prophets
The two characters at the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah, offer us deeper insight into Jesus's Messianic Role. While Moses represents the Law, Elijah represents all the prophets. Everything in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus. Jesus is indeed the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the World, the one whom God sent to deliver mankind from death and destruction. Luke further adds that Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus about His exodus which He was to fulfil in Jerusalem. This means that just as Abraham needed some assurance, Jesus needed assurance. God never leaves us in the dark when we face trials and tribulations.
Three: Every Prayer is a Transfiguration
As Luke puts it, “Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance changed…” Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings heaven to earth and takes us up to heaven. Many things happen when we pray, some of which we cannot withstand with our ordinary eyes. Are you finding it difficult to pray? Take some time to meditate on the Transfiguration. Imagine all the saints in heaven gathered around you in your room while you pray.
Four: God Speaks to us when we Pray
Still, in the context of Jesus’ prayer, we hear a voice: “This is my Son, my Chosen; Listen to Him!” A similar voice is heard during the Baptism of Jesus. As Jesus rose from the water and prayed, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with whom I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22). Prayer is a dialogue; it is only complete when we can listen to and hear from God after we have spoken to Him.
Prayer teaches us obedience. God says, “This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to Him.” The more prayerful we become, the more likely we are to obey God's commandments. The more we pray, the more we long to listen to Jesus by reading the Bible. The more we pray, the more we grow deeper in our walk with God.
Five: Focus on Heaven, Do Not Be Worldly Minded
In our second reading today, St. Paul warns us about people who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ, their end is destruction, their god is the belly, their glory in their shame, their minds set on earthly things.” Indeed, among the Christian community, some people were already preaching the Gospel of prosperity and living like this world is all there is. According to St. Paul, “if for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)
Conclusion
Do not be discouraged by the weight of the crosses you carry in your Christian journey. Consider the Transfiguration as an encouragement from above. God is watching you. Moses, Elijah and all the prophets and saints who have walked this path are watching you. We prayed in the Stations of the Cross: “Difficulties remain difficult Lord, but I will not run away from them.” In the words of St. Paul “For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of men those things that God has prepared for those who love him” (I Cor. 2:9). After the Cross, comes the glory.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes as we pray daily to see the glory that awaits us in heaven. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (2nd Sunday of Lent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Gen. 15:5-12, 17-18, Ps. 27:1, 7-9, 13-14, Phil. 3:17-4:1, Luke 9:28-36).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu