Second Sunday of Lent March 16, 2025
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36
The epic film Les Miserables, based on the Victor Hugo novel and the international stage sensation, is a story of grace, redemption, compassion, and mercy.
The story begins with a simple but profound moment of forgiveness. The kindness of the bishop is a moment of transfiguration for Valjean: As the three disciples behold the divinity that radiates from the vision of Jesus on the mountaintop, Valjean realizes the ember of God’s goodness that has continued to burn within him despite the brutality and cruelty of his two decades in prison. That same touch of divinity exists within each one of us, as well: God is present within us, animating us to do good and holy things; guiding our steps as we try to walk justly and humbly in the ways of God; enlightening our vision with wisdom and selflessness to bring the justice and mercy of God into our world. The challenge of discipleship like the touch and compassion of the bishop that transformed Valjean is to allow the love of God to “transfigure” despair into hope, sadness into joy, anguish into healing, and estrangement into community.
The story of the transfiguration is told each year on this Sunday. This is because, in each of the gospels, it occurs after Jesus warns his disciples for the first time that he will be rejected in Jerusalem and suffer the ultimate penalty.
There are, therefore, two aspects to the story of the transfiguration. One is that it affirms Jesus’ identity as the beloved of God despite the shadow of the cross that now hangs over his ministry. The second is that it serves as a reminder to the disciples that their task as they accompany Jesus on the road to Jerusalem is to really listen to him. This puts our Lenten efforts into the right context as the sole purpose of the season is to bring us to a closer relationship with Jesus and to understand more fully the meaning of his passion, death, and resurrection.
Luke’s Gospel recounts that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. As He prayed, His appearance changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Him about His impending Passion. Then, a cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of the Father proclaimed, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!"
This moment of revelation was not just for Jesus; it was also for the disciples. They had been following Him, witnessing His miracles, but still struggled to understand His true identity and mission. The Transfiguration served as an affirmation of Jesus’ divinity, a confirmation that He was indeed the Messiah, and a foreshadowing of His resurrection. It was meant to strengthen their faith as they journeyed with Him toward His suffering and death.
The disciples’ reaction to the Transfiguration is revealing. Peter, in his enthusiasm, suggests building three tents to preserve the moment. He wants to remain in the glory of that experience, not realizing that the true purpose of the vision was to prepare them for the trials ahead. How often do we, too, wish to hold onto moments of spiritual consolation without embracing the challenges that follow?
Lent is a season of spiritual awakening. Like the disciples, we are invited to ascend the mountain with Jesus in prayer, to seek His presence, and to listen attentively to His voice. The journey of faith is not just about experiencing moments of glory but also about embracing the cross with trust and obedience. The Father’s command—"Listen to Him"—reminds us that true discipleship requires attentiveness to Jesus’ words and a willingness to follow Him even in difficult times.
The Transfiguration is not only a revelation of Christ’s glory but also a reminder that we, too, are called to be transformed. St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians (3:17-4:1), speaks of our ultimate destiny: "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body." The Christian life is a journey of transformation, where we are called to grow in holiness, shedding the darkness of sin and embracing the light of Christ.
How does this transformation take place? It begins with prayer, as we see in the example of Jesus. Before His Transfiguration, He was in deep prayer. Lent calls us to intensify our prayer life, making space for God’s presence in our hearts. Fasting and almsgiving also play a role in this transformation, helping us detach from worldly distractions and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and love for our neighbours.
The journey of Lent ultimately leads us to the Cross. The Transfiguration reminds us that the path of suffering is not the end; rather, it leads to glory. Jesus did not remain on the mountain; He descended to continue His mission, knowing that suffering and death awaited Him. Similarly, we cannot remain in our comfort zones. Faith demands that we walk with Christ, trusting that beyond the trials of this life, there is the promise of resurrection.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to be transformed by Christ? Are we listening to His voice in prayer and Scripture? Are we embracing the sacrifices of Lent with faith and love? May the Transfiguration strengthen our hope and lead us closer to Jesus, who calls us to follow Him from the mountain to the Cross, and ultimately, to the glory of the Resurrection.
Happy Sunday
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