Second Sunday of Lent

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus is transfigured before the disciples: They see a glorious vision of him wearing dazzling white, with a “face changed in appearance,” and conversing with Moses and Elijah about the “exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.” This is in marked contrast to what Luke had recounted just prior to these verses: Jesus’ prediction of his suffering and death, and the assertion that his disciples must take up their crosses daily in order to follow him. So it is no surprise that Peter, likely somewhat stunned after being a part of both moments, “did not know what he was saying.” Then a cloud passes over and, while they are frightened, they hear God’s voice affirm what they have just seen: “This my chosen Son; listen to him.” We all experience these extremes – days where all seems lost; others where we feel as though we’ve had glimpses of heaven. Today’s Gospel encourages us to look to Jesus, who has experienced the frailty of humanity and the glory of divinity. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection, we are redeemed, and ultimately – as the disciples glimpsed today – “he will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body.”

 

Life can bring unexpected joys and disappointments. One day we celebrate a birth; another we grieve the loss of a loved one. We fall in love; we experience broken relationships. Many of us may find ourselves in flux much of the time: Will this pandemic ever end? Will cancer recur? What’s next now that the kids are grown? Today’s readings give me great hope in the knowledge that God is with us through all the twists and turns and ups and downs of our lives. Just as God fulfilled his promises to Abraham, God has given us a Savior in Jesus Christ and promises that we will someday share in his glory. To that end, we can strive to ensure that no darkness in our world prevents us from becoming a source of light to others. Jesus and the saints walk before us. We pray, then, for the grace to listen to God’s chosen Son, and to “stand firm in the Lord.”

 

Lent is a good time to try a new form of prayer. Do you often pray silently? Try the rosary or spoken prayer. Do you normally pray out loud.? Try centering prayer or another form of quiet or silent prayer, such as Lectio Divina.