2nd Sunday of Lent March 16, 2025

Readings:  Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36.

The story of the transfiguration is a reminder of the transformation that is proper to authentic Christian living. Every day is a transfiguration in the life of a true Christian. The transfiguration of Jesus took place within the context of prayer in the company of Moses and Elijah. According to today’s gospel, ‘As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem’. The presence of Moses and Elijah represent the importance of the scripture and the teachings of the church.

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that Jesus will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. Our transfiguration will be achieved the same way as that of Jesus. Through listening to the beloved son of God that is always speaking to us through the words of scripture and the teachings of the church. Whenever we prayerfully listen to the Lord through the church and the scriptures, transfiguration takes place in us.

The first reading from the Book of Genesis Abram was transformed through the covenant God made with him. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified. He believed everything he heard from God, thus he was transformed. Today the challenge before us is to allow ourselves to be transformed by what we hear and are asked to do by the church. God speaks to us today through the church. The teachings of the church and the words of scripture are capable of achieving in us the same transfiguration of Jesus.

                                                                             Fr. Terry.