Second Sunday of Lent
(Genesis 12:1–4; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; Matthew 17:1–9)
We have reached the Second Sunday of Lent. Each year on this
day we hear in the Gospel the account of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the
mountain. There are three versions of this event: one in Matthew, one in Mark,
and one in Luke, but they do not differ greatly from one another. Today we hear
the version according to Saint Matthew. It is distinctive in that it does not
say that Peter “did not know what he was saying” when he suggests building
three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Perhaps we ask ourselves: “Why do the evangelists include
this rather unusual story in their writings?” Usually, three reasons are given.
First, the story confirms Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “the Christ, the
Son of the living God.” Second, it will help the disciples endure the anguish
of seeing Jesus crucified. Finally, it gives believers a glimpse of their
destiny. Like Christ, they too will shine in glory. Today we will focus on this
third reason: the parallel transformation of the Christian like the glorified
Christ.
Let us begin with the first reading. It shows Abram being
instructed by the Lord to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s
house to go to a foreign land. Only through these costly sacrifices can he come
to shine as the father of many nations. It is true that the grace of the Holy
Spirit, which makes Christians shine in glory, is a gift. Nevertheless, it
requires sacrifices to receive and preserve it, as in the case of Abram. Many
prepare, sometimes for years, in classes for sacraments that communicate
transforming grace. The sacrifices multiply as they live in the world where
temptations abound. They must reject the seduction of pleasure, power, and
prestige if they are to shine in glory.
In the second reading, Paul asks his disciple Timothy to
join him in suffering for the Gospel. He wants his help in the demanding work
of bringing the Gospel to the world. The first Christians received grace freely,
but proclaiming it cost the apostles dearly. If the followers of the Gospel
will shine like the face of Jesus on the mountain, those who proclaim it will
shine even more. It is no accident that saints are depicted with halos in art.
Our faces too will bear the radiance of the saints if we talk with others about
the Good News.
The Gospel account of the Transfiguration leaves us with a
profound lesson about the spiritual life. Toward the end of the story, the
three disciples experience a theophany: God the Father speaks to them from a
cloud. His message is almost the same as at Jesus’ Baptism, but this time He
adds the exhortation that they listen to Jesus. As is to be expected in a
theophany, the disciples fall to the ground in fear. Then Jesus’ touch calms
them.
The spiritual life requires that we feel awe in the presence
of God. He is tremendous and awesome, more powerful than a volcano or a star
being born. Yet, through the assurance given to us by Jesus, we know that God
is our Father. Once we realize this truth and submit our will to His, our fear
is transformed into the desire never to lose His love.
We have completed a fourth of this Lenten season. By now we
should have established a pattern of fasting, prayer, and charity, so that we
no longer feel apprehension about these practices. Let us move forward with the
hope of becoming stronger through our sacrifices, more devoted to proclaiming
the Gospel to others, and more deeply in love with God, our Father.
