Feb

(Lent II — C) The Transfiguration

Peter, James and John witness the Transfiguration of Jesus and hear the voice that tells them to obey Jesus. The Law and the Prophets, represented in the event by Moses and Elijah, are illumined by the light of Christ. In other words, the meaning of the Law and the Prophets become clearer because of Christ’s death and resurrection. As we continue our Lenten journey to Easter, we are reminded that the mark of the cross received in Baptism leads to the resurrection: our resurrection in Christ. The journey of Lent will end in Easter glory.

Relevant Articles

The New Exodus Luke 9:28-36

Guide to the Reading of the Gospel

1. Compare the Transfiguration accounts in Mark, Matthew and Luke (Mark 9:2-8, Matthew 17:1-8, and Luke 9:28-36 respectively). Observe how they are the same and different. Underline the unique features in the Lucan narrative.

2. Read these articles for more information about the Transfiguration.

Review of the Day’s Readings

Genesis 15:5-12.17-18 is the account of the covenant between God and Abram whose name will later on be changed to Abraham. Here the promise of progeny and land given at his call (Gen. 12) made into a covenant. Notice that the forging of the covenant follows a sleep of fearsome darkness. The journey of faith is like that, being enveloped in darkness where one gropes along taking one’s hint from a voice. But there are also flashes of light that confirms and reassures one. As in the case of Abram, the disciples too are given a foretaste of the meaning of Christ’s exodus on the mountain of the Transfiguration. There the voice of the one who first spoke at Jesus’ baptism now tells them that it is the Son-Servant who will lead them into a new exodus through Christ’s death and resurrection.

The second reading from Philippians 3:17-4:1 introduces us to the theology of the cross. Paul invites the Philippians to follow him in embracing the cross of Christ.

Suggestion for the Lesson

There are two ideas expressed during the baptismal rite that is underscored in the theme of the second Sunday of Lent: the idea of covenant and that of the cross. The Son-Servant is making his exodus in Jerusalem through the cross. It is through the cross that he will attain his glory. The cross was the sign by which we were claimed. Whenever we make the sign of the cross, we are professing publicly our consecration to the Holy Trinity.

The cross is also the sign of the new covenant. The covenant with Abram is one of those covenants that mark God’s relationship with his people throughout salvation history. These covenants point to the new covenant forged in the flesh and blood of Christ. Whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, we are reminded of our belongingness to God and our new relationship with Him. It is also in the Eucharist that we are reminded of a more definitive covenant in the future: that of the wedding of the Lamb and His Bride.

Luke 9:28-36
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek

28And it came to pass about eight days after these words, that he took Peter, and James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29And whilst he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and glittering.

30And behold two men were talking with him. And they were Moses and Elias,

31Appearing in majesty. And they spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem.

32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep. And waking, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33And it came to pass, that as they were departing from him, Peter saith to Jesus: Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias; not knowing what he said.

34And as he spoke these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them; and they were afraid, when they entered into the cloud.

35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.

36And whilst the voice was uttered, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of these things which they had seen.

Mark 9:2-8
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2And his garments became shining and exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller upon earth can make white.

3And there appeared to them Elias with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.

4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5For he knew not what he said: for they were struck with fear.

6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.

7And immediately looking about, they saw no man any more, but Jesus only with them.

8And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them not to tell any man what things they had seen, till the Son of man shall be risen again from the dead.

Matthew 17:1-8
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek

1And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

2And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.

3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.

6And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.

7And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not.

8And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus.