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1.Gen 12:1-4
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2.2Tim 1:8-10
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Gospel:
Matt17:1-9
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"
Transfiguration of Jesus"
Dear brothers and
sisters when we are celebrating the 2nd Sunday of Lenten season we are being
reminded by the word of God more especially from the gospel reading about
Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain during which his face was transfigured and
shone like the sun, while his clothes became white as light.
From the gospel passage
we hear that Jesus invited three of his friends, Peter, James, and John, to go
to a mountain and pray. These three disciples are among the most mentioned
names in the gospels. The presence and the invitation of these three disciples
by Jesus highlights the importance of communal prayer. Elsewhere in the
gospels, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray in private. While private prayer
is important, communal prayer is important as well. It has been a good
experience that during this season catholic communities do pious practices such
as recollections and retreats. These prayerful activities recall the experience
of Peter, James, and John, that is communing with Jesus. The season of Lent is
a call to prayer. Thus if opportunity permits, we should spend time for it so
that we can enter into the paschal mystery of Jesus. Moreover, this makes our
celebration of Easter more meaningful.
The transfiguration of
Jesus gives us a summary( previews) the glory and splendor of Jesus at Easter
and beyond. It is the fore test of what is to come. On the part of the
disciples, the transfiguration gives them a preview of glorious figure of
Jesus. Then Jesus is shown talking to Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the
law and Elijah represents the prophets. With these two figure we a profound
theological meaning behind this scenario. The appearance of the two gives us an
impression of the continuity of the law and prophets. This puts Jesus in the
context of the salvation history of the people of God, Israel.
Third, Peter cries out
to Jesus, " Lord, it is good that we are here." This statement of Peter
is something we should reflect. Peter speaks of something "good"
which may be translated into joy. Peter feels good and happy in that moment. We
learn that there is joy of praying with Jesus. Community life gives us joy;
communal prayer is also an experience of Joy. A family or community that prays
together is the community filled with Joy. This in fact is what we should feel
during the holy mass, we should exclaim like Peter, " Lord it is good that
we are here".
The event of
transfiguration is so important because it takes place on the road to the
crucifixion. The disciples of Jesus have some sense that Jesus is on the
road to suffering and death.
Nevertheless, Peter's proposal to Jesus, " If you wish I will make three tents
here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," was a way of
avoiding pains on the cross. One spiritual interpretation of this statement
could be building up a comfort zones. Probably, for Peter, staying on the
mountain could be more advantageous than going back to the lowlands because
there Jesus could encounter his own death. Jesus did not utter any response to
Peter's proposal. The gospel tells us that after the Father speaks, Jesus told
the three disciples. " Rise and do not be afraid." The
transfiguration gives them strength and confidence that God is at work in the
life of Jesus. It also gives them courage to continue with their work because
of the assurance that God is or would be with them. After the transfiguration
event, the disciples became committed to face the future struggles.
The transfiguration is
the story of determination and hope. Our tendency is to build comfort zones in
our life. Our tendency is to evade the pains and struggles that are there. What
God wants us is to have the capacity to face all these. We need a determination
to face life's difficulties and at the same time, cling to hope and promise of
glory. Let us always remember the often used adage, " No pain, no gain."
0 Response to "HOMILY FOR THE 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A"
Chapisha Maoni