5 March, 2023 | Second Sunday of Lent

 Gospel : Mt 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,

and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them;

his face shone like the sun

and his clothes became white as light.

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,

conversing with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,

"Lord, it is good that we are here.

If you wish, I will make three tents here,

one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, behold,

a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,

then from the cloud came a voice that said,

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;

listen to him."

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate

and were very much afraid.

But Jesus came and touched them, saying,

"Rise, and do not be afraid."

And when the disciples raised their eyes,

they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,

Jesus charged them,

"Do not tell the vision to anyone

until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Reflections: 

The gospel recounts the story of the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John encountered Jesus in all of his glory. The experience of transfiguration encourages and challenges us in our daily lives. It reminds us that our lives are far more than what we see, hear and experience every day. Just as this profound awareness of Jesus as beloved got him through the tough times in his life, our identity as being deeply loved by God comforts us when the going gets tough. Jesus’ Transfiguration strengthened the Apostles in their time of trial. Each Holy Mass should be our source of heavenly strength against our own temptations and our source for the renewal of our lives during Lent. In our everyday lives, we need to recognize Jesus when he appears to us “transfigured,” hidden in someone who is in some kind of need. 

Activity: 

Try to have the  ‘mountain-top’ experiences in your own life by spending some extra time in prayer during Lent.