Sunday, February 21, 2016

Second Sunday of Lent
Reflection
Our Gospel for today presents a powerful visual moment in Jesus’ life and the lives of Peter, John, and James.  Jesus was in prayer on the mountain top with three of His disciples, and the three were tempted to doze off to sleep as Jesus prayed.  This is reminiscent of another time in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus praying while they slept.  This comparison seems appropriate since at this time Jesus is talking to Moses and Elijah about His coming exodus in Jerusalem.  The word exodus makes me think of the journey Moses took the Israelites through to freedom.  Now Jesus was given this vision to strengthen Him and prepare His disciples for the challenge that lay ahead as He completed His mission, His glory, and exodus to set us all free by His passion and death.  He knew His disciples needed supernatural strength for what lay ahead and so this vision was a part of that plan to strengthen them.  They see Moses and Elijah but more than that, it is the vision of the radiant Jesus, the luminous cloud and the words of God, “This is my chosen Son.”  This experience strengthened Jesus for His mission and we know it also strengthened the three disciples as well. 
 
In our lives, we sometimes have mountain top experiences to prepare us for the times in the valley of the shadow of death.  Many times we may not recognize what is happening until after it is over, but let us try to find a way to celebrate these moments when God reveals God’s self to us in whatever way that might come, be it a full moon, a pristine white world of a snow-covered mountain, a chance meeting with a dear friend, a changed outcome of a medical situation.  May we take nothing for granted and find a way to celebrate as Peter suggested, camping out on the mountain with friends.  Then may we be ready to leave the mountain of joy and return to the challenges that face us at the bottom.
 
Prayer
God of Mystery, come to me in my times of need so I can be strengthened to face the challenges in my own life.  Amen.  
 
Sr. Karen Pozniak, S.N.D., Member of the Worshipping Community
 

Scripture
First Reading: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17—4:1
Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36
 
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 



 


 

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