The transfiguration of Jesus points to our own transformation
Listening the Spirit
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
Listening the Word: Luke 9:28b-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
Reflection
“His face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white” Lk 9:29
The readings of this second sunday of lenten are full of reference to changes and light. I would
like to focus on the first one.
In this season of lent we are encouraged to pray, fast and do charity. These three practices help
prepare us because of the transformation that they bring out in us.
In the reading we heard the promise of God to Abraham, an old and childless man will become
the father of nations, with descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Saint Paul reminds the philippians that those who are faithful will be transformed in glory and
power.
Jesus appearance was also transformed in front of Peter, John and James. The son of the
carpenter, their teacher and companion in the journey has become something else in his face
and clothes as he was praying. Just before this scene in the Gospel, the disciples heard Jesus
talking about his future in Jerusalem: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the
third day be raised to life.” (Lk 9:22)
How do these transformations come about? What is the source of transformation? I think the
answer is faith and love in the face of challenges. Abraham was worried about his situation
because of the expectations of the society where he was living: having children, being successful.
The philippians face many challenges in their faith and false models. These changes and the ones of Jesus are possible because of their faith in God that allows them to
confront any problem and become better versions of themselves.
The transformation because of faith and love is our own vocation. In this lenten in a special way,
but all of our lives we have the opportunity for transformation. If we are the same, as usual, we
need to reflect and see what opportunities of change we are missing and be attentive to take
them the next time.
I hope that we can recognize in our lives the moments that brought us transformation. That we
can see clearly in our story of life a “before and after” Christ. Before and after becoming a
servant. Before and after being part of a ministry. Before and after helping the poor. Before and
after taking care of our life of prayer. Before and after giving up bad habits or conducts. These
changes will bring us closer to Jesus but we need to embrace them with faith and love. Do not
be afraid. Instead, listen to the chosen Son of God. (Lk 9:35)
Lord Jesus, Help us to be faithful and loving. That your presence in our lives may bring the
transformation that we and all people need so that your kingdom may come with all his
splendour in this world and the one to come.
Reflection Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you recognize a “before and after” transformation because of faith and love? How has this change brought you closer to Jesus?
2. What challenges or fears might be preventing you from embracing transformation in your spiritual journey? How can you respond to them with faith and love?
