Second Sunday of Lent - Reflection on the Transfiguration ~ M.A. Allen

Our Lenten theme for this year is "Lord, help me to hold out!" Each Sunday after Communion, a member of the Liturgy Committee will give a short reflection on the Gospel for this week and how the reading relates to our theme. This week's Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9.

Lord, help me to hold out...
Until my change comes!

In today's Gospel, we learn that Peter, James and John were chosen to witness a profound change as Jesus was transfigured before them. There on the mountain, His glory, which is the glory of God, was revealed to them.

"Lord, it is good that we are here," they said.

The apostles recognized that something wonderful was happening and they wanted to capture those moments and to hold on to them forever. They responded in such a human way as they planned to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah so that they could remain in that holy place. But they didn't really understand what this transfiguration meant and then were terrified when the Father spoke from the cloud... "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased... listen to Him." By giving this instruction to the apostles, our Heavenly Father was telling them that if they paid attention to Jesus, their lives would be transformed too...

During this Lenten season, we are asked to change our lives. To listen to what the Beloved Son is telling us through His suffering and death... To have faith that no matter what trials we are facing, God's grace and mercy will carry us through. To forgive others as Jesus did from the cross... To reconcile with others before we bring our gifts to the altar. To recognize that acceptance of God's grace allows us to change.

When our lives are truly lived with the light of Christ within us, we will be transformed also... Our light will shine like the sun.

So we ask God to help us to hold out... To give us patience... until our change comes.


~ Image from Hermano Leon Clipart