Second Sunday of Lent
Imagine your mentor taking you and a few close friends to a quiet spot. You wonder, what will be revealed? What special lessons will be taught? Suddenly your mentor becomes so intense, he glows…and is joined by iconic figures who strike up a conversation. Your impulse may be like Peter’s, to try to make them comfortable and to show how you support your mentor, right? At this precise moment, a bright cloud casts a shadow over you and a voice from it endorses your mentor.
Is it any wonder the disciples with Jesus are overwhelmed?
Today we are called to contemplate the story of the transfiguration: what it meant and what it continues to mean. “Transfiguration” is a noun but I am drawn to the verb form: “to transform into something more beautiful or elevated.” I think this is what today’s readings invite us to open ourselves to discovering.
Abram is called by God to move away from his homeland and to start anew. To leave what is known and to go where so much is unknown requires tremendous faith. God repeatedly invokes blessings in His invitation to go, and Abram followed this call.
As Christians, we too are called to move beyond our comfort zone. We are invited to continue to embrace our own transformation along our journey of faith in life. This discovery process is an open-ended awakening. We may catch flashes of the brilliance of the Lord which could awe and frighten us. But Jesus is there to gently reassure us that we should not be afraid, that we should keep going.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be open to seeing your ways. As I put my trust in you, lead me to new places; help me to accept your transfiguring grace with the strength you have given me. Amen.
Professor John Devlin, Fine Arts
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
Second Reading: Timothy 1:8b-10
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
