Dear sisters and brothers in Christ. Today’s Gospel from St Luke (9:28-36) recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus. This moment is pivotal in understanding both His divine nature and the essence of our faith as we journey through Lent.
As Jesus ascends the mountain, He takes Peter, John and James with Him. This select group is witness to a profound transformation; His appearance changes, and His garments become dazzling white. In this moment, we glimpse the glory of God that resides in Jesus, affirming His identity as the Son of God.
The presence of Moses and Elijah signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets through Christ. They represent the depth of God’s covenant with His people, transforming despair into hope. It’s a reminder for us that all our struggles, represented by the wilderness we inhabit during Lent, can be rooted in this divine connection.
Peter’s impulsive desire to build three tents reflects our human tendency to cling to moments of glory. Yet, the voice from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him,” calls us to do more than remain in comfort. We are reminded that true transformation involves listening to Jesus and following His call, even into the valleys of our own lives.
As we observe Lent, let us reflect on our own mountain-top experiences. Are we actively listening to Jesus? Are we allowing Him to lead us in our spiritual journey? The Transfiguration challenges us to embrace both the peaks of joy and the depths of struggle, knowing that, through Christ, we are invited to transformation.
May this season be an opportunity to ascend our own spiritual mountains, seeking the light of Christ to illuminate our paths, and enabling us to carry that light into the world. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 9:28-36
Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. 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.
Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus,
‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here;
so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah’.
– He did not know what he was saying.
As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid.
And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.’
And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.