TRANSFORMING WITH CHRIST
Readings Gen 15:5-12. 17-18; Ps 26;
Phil 3:17-4:1; Lk 9:28-36
Last
Sunday presented temptation as a big obstacle to our Lenten journey. Today, we
shall learn that transformation is the fruit of overcoming temptation and the
goal of our Lenten observance. The transfiguration is one of the phenomenal
episodes of Jesus’ life . Jesus took Peter, James and John (his closest apostles) to
the mountain to pray. The
mountain in biblical stories is always considered a special place of encounter
with God. In Ex. 31:18, the tablets of the law were given to Moses by God in Mount
Sinai. In 1Kg. 19:9-18, on Mount Horeb, Elijah encountered God
While he was praying, Jesus was transfigured. The word transfigure in Greek
is “metamorphosis,” meaning, “to change into another form”. Jesus’ face changed
and his garment was sparkling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared. These two
men were the two most important figures in the Old Testament. Moses was the
great lawgiver –whom God had entrusted the teaching of the Law. Elijah, on the
other hand, was considered the greatest of all the prophets. Christ, making them
three, is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Thus, the history of Israel
was complete on the mountain. Moses and Elijah were discussing Christ’s passing
which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Jesus was to lead the “new Israel” in
the exodus from the slavery of sin. This event took place after the prediction
of the Passion and death. The presence of these two great men was to convince
the disciples that Christ is on the right course.
The gospel
passage also speaks of the cloud that completely covered Jesus and His disciples.
Forming of clouds on the mountain is not uncommon. But this one was very different.
In the Old Testament typology, cloud the depicts the presence and glory of God.
In Exodus 13:21ff, a pillar of
cloud led the children of Israel through the Wilderness. In Exodus 34:5, God descended to give Moses the
Law in a pillar of cloud. The cloud was present at the dedication of the tabernacle
(Exodus 40:34ff). Same cloud filled the whole place at the dedication of the
temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 8:10ff; 2 Chron. 5:13ff; 7:2). Little wonder
God spoke from the cloud saying “this is my Son, the chosen One. Listen to him.”
(Lk 9:35). God’s voice brought comfort to the apostles and helped them
understand Jesus’ Passion and death.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- Jesus’ transfiguration points to our own transformation. Lent is a time of leaving the old way and putting on a new life. The face of our soul should be sparkling white like the face of Jesus, free from every stain of impurity. The essence of lent is not staying clear from sin only in this period. Lent is rather a time we acquire virtues that help us to live as God’s children in season and out of season. Our souls should dazzle with holiness in Lent and outside Lent.
- This glorious event took place while Jesus was praying. It tells us that prayer invite God’s presence and glory, and leads to our own transformation. Let us take our prayer life seriously in this Lenten season.
- “Peter and his companion were heavy with sleep” but when they woke up they saw his glory. In life we miss so much of God glory because our hearts are asleep in prejudice, materialism, and immorality. It’s high time we started waking up from the slumber of sin that the glory of God may shine in us.
- Jesus took his closest friends to encounter God on the mountain. How many of your friends have you invited to the church, Stations of the Cross, private prayer in the chapel, and to confess their sins? Or do you always take them to places where they encounter the devil?
May God bless
our effort on transformation during this Lenten period. Amen. HAPPY READING AND
HAPPY SUNDAY.
