Second Sunday of Lent
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 17: 1-9
March 5, 2023 | Sunday
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain, where they were alone. Jesus’ appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as snow. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter was still speaking, when a bright cloud covered them with its shadow; and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear. But Jesus came, touched them, and said, “Stand up, do not be afraid!” When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. And as they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man be
raised from the dead.
Today’s Reflection:
The Transfiguration is an event that reminds us of the Christian Baptism. This event takes place in the presence of the Holy Trinity: God the Father in the voice, God the Son transfigured in the brilliant face and clothes of Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit in the cloud. Thus, we see the Trinitarian formula in this event. The presence of Moses who many consider to stand for the Law and Elijah who stands for the Prophets reminds one of the experiences of God’s manifestation on the Holy Mountain. The apostles can signify the Church gathered in prayer. The Transfiguration anticipates the sorrow and desolation of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with the same set of apostles gathered. Jesus transfigured is the same Jesus disfigured at Calvary for the redemption of mankind from the grips of sickness, suffering, death, and Satan. The transfiguration prepares one’s heart for the glory of the resurrection. Jesus’ transfiguration is shredded by all baptized washed
by the blood of the Lamb of God. /Vulnerasti, 2023
