Sunday, February 25, 2024

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, February 25, 2024

(Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10)

As we always hear the gospel of Jesus' temptation on the first Sunday of Lent, we can count on hearing of his transfiguration on the second. We also heard the same gospel on August 6th. It seems that the event is so important to consider that it is worth repeating. We are going to reflect on the transfiguration or change in appearance in two ways: what happens to Jesus and what happens to its witnesses who include ourselves.

Sometimes preachers try to differentiate between a transformation and a transfiguration. They say, for example, that transfiguration is always from a lower state to a higher state while transformation can be an improvement or a deterioration. But this distinction is difficult to see. The Greek of the gospel today says “metemorphOthE” which is translated as “was transformed.” Evidently the custom developed over the centuries of calling the change in Jesus’ appearance “the Transfiguration” as we have it now in our missals.

Jesus' appearance changes quickly and significantly. His full identity is revealed when his clothes take on a terrific sheen. As Superman is seen for who he is when journalist Clark Kent takes off his suit, God's Messiah is identified when Jesus' clothes shine. This transformation verifies what Peter stated earlier: Jesus is the Messiah or, in Greek, the Christ. It also indicates the truth that Jesus himself tried to instill in his disciples with little success. That is, although he is the Messiah, he has to die to gain the salvation of Israel.

In addition to his transfiguration, there are two other testimonies in favor of Jesus in this gospel. The presence of Moses and Elijah on both sides of Jesus testifies to Jesus’ preeminence in salvation history. His words carry to perfection the Law that Moses presented to the people. Likewise, his suffering will culminate the sacrifices of the prophets, among whom Elijah is the most prominent, in carrying out the will of God.

In the desert God communicated with Israel from a cloud. Now on the mountain he also speaks from a cloud. “This is my beloved Son…”, God says.  Jesus is God’s “beloved” because he perfectly fulfills His will. God then concludes his message: “…listen to him.” Because he does the Father's will implicitly, he is worth the disciples' listening.

Jesus is not the only one to experience a change in this gospel. His disciples are also affected. Their faith has grown since climbing the mountain. Amazed by the vision of Jesus transfigured, they can now expect something extraordinary to happen to him. Their faith should not be completely shaken when Jesus is crucified.

We have been aware of the passion and resurrection since our first catechism lessons. However, it is possible that living among doubters and non-believers who now abound we begin to waver on these principles of faith. But by hearing this gospel we believe in Jesus crucified and risen with as much conviction as Abraham had in today’s first reading. Abraham believed that God would not deny His promise to make him the patriarch of a numerous nation.  Even though God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, he did not doubt God’s truthfulness. Now it is up to us to live with so much faith. No matter what the wise men of this world say, we will follow Jesus, our risen Lord.

We began this Lenten journey with ashes on our foreheads. The priest told us that we were dust and to dust we will return. Now after hearing the gospel of the transfiguration we can add something to this alarming pronouncement. From dust as fine as the ashes of the crematorium we will rise to eternal life.