2nd Sunday of lent year A

2nd Sunday of Lent year A

Why was Jesus transfigured?

• 1st Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a

• Psalm: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22

• 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

• Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Why was Jesus transfigured?

On this 2nd Sunday of lent year A, we reflect on the Why was Jesus transfigured? What is the significance of the mountain? What are the three parts that can be singled out in reference to the mountain in this gospel passage? What lessons do we learn from this gospel passage for this Sunday?

To begin with, every second Sunday of lent for the 3 liturgical years, we read about the Transfiguration of Jesus. On this 2nd Sunday of lent year A, we read the transfiguration of Jesus according to the gospel of Saint Matthew. But before all else, what is the significance of the mountain in the Bible? Theologically speaking, The mountain in biblical understanding means 1. the highest point on earth to meet God. For example, in the Old Testament, Moses went up to the mountain to meet God. Again in the gospel reading, God revealed to us Jesus as the beloved son. 2. Figuratively, the mountain could be the events, the place, or a liturgical season that we are offered to meet God in our daily life. For example, the altar in the church can be said to be the mountain, one going for a retreat can be said to be the mountain or even in our context, the season of lent this year can be seen as a moment to meet God, experience him personally and solidify our relationship with him. On the contrary, some may say that a mountain represents difficulties because it blocks one from seeing the other end. Yes I agree but with faith, hope and trust in God, one cannot wish the mountains to move out of the way but to pray for the necessary energy to enable one to climb up to the top of the mountain.

On the other hand, Saint Matthew presents the transfiguration of Jesus in 3 parts namely, 1. Going up the mountain, 2. The experience on the mountain and finally 3. The coming down from the mountain.

Let us start with

Going up the mountain.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to go up the mountain. Why these three only? ? he wanted to form and instruct the three because later, they would become the pillars of his church. They descended from the mountain more assured and strengthened in their faith and trust in Christ. During this lent, are we going up the mountain to meet God? Have we accepted to climb the mountains of temptations, to climb the mountains of Jealousy in our families, to climb the mountains of misunderstanding so that during Easter, the top of our mountain we may experience the loving grace of God for us all. Let us go to the mountain of the lord, meaning to church, to visit the sick, to reach each other during this Lenten period. The second aspect that we can look at from the gospel of today is:

The experience at the top of the mountain.

Have you ever been somewhere with someone, and you don’t want to leave and even time moves unknowingly faster? Or have you ever enjoyed an activity like class or holy mass such that you feel it should not end? That is the same feelings that peter had at the top of the mountain during transfiguration of Jesus. It was so wonderful, it felt so nice, blessed and satisfying to be in the presence of the transfigured lord. One could say that Peter also to some extend was transfigured in his thoughts and feelings for wanting to remain at the top of the mountain. During this lent, let us experience God’s love differently, let us love one another differently and let us pray and fast differently. The final part is:

Coming down from the mountain.

In this context, Peter, James and John had to come down, to re-join the community of other disciples, to continue interactions in their daily life and to share the fruits of their experience with others present by then and to us today. After, Holy mass, which fruits do you share with others? In fact, one morning while in Kenya in one parish, after holy mass, I separated two Christians who fought just at the door of the church. It was very scandalous. Thank God they listened and became calm.

What can we learn from this episode of transfiguration?

1. This lent is an occasion for us to be transfigured and be configured to Jesus.

2. We experience God not only on the mountain but also in the coming down from the mountain.

3. To Share the fruits of our Christian life.

Why was Jesus transfigured?

There are several reasons as to why Jesus was transfigured but here are the two main reasons.

1. To fortify the faith of his disciples. The immediate context for this transfiguration is that he took Peter, James, and John as privileged witnesses, who would in turn strengthen others to accept suffering to a glorious end. In a summary way, transfiguration was a glimpse to the disciples concerning Christ’s glorified humanity after his resurrection. Finally,

2. Transfiguration reveals our destiny as Christians today. We are children of God through Baptism, transformed by the grace that we received to be grafted on Christ. This means that our soul and body participate in the divine life which will be achieved in perfection at the end of time. Moreover, one may say that if transfiguration reveals our destiny, it also shows us how we can attain such destiny through “the beloved son” Jesus Christ, whom we are called to listen today.

To conclude, on this 2nd Sunday of lent year A, we are invited to listen to Jesus Christ more and more. AMEN.

HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY!!!!!!