Feb
17
2008
By Anonymous (not verified)
Feb. 17 - Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Gen 15:5-12, 17-18; Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Lk 9:28-36
While He was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white. Lk 9:29
Jesus' transfiguration serves to reveal His divinity as the Son of God. Through His transfiguration, Jesus reveals that the hopes of the Old Testament would be fulfilled in Him. And, yes, His transfiguration probably serves to strengthen Him for His redemptive work to come. But, equally important, the transfiguration of Jesus serves as a lesson that we, too, may be transfigured; we, too, can become new in this life through righteousness and through the light of faith. Indeed, through living as a disciple of Christ here on earth, we may serve as a "lamp shining in a dark place" (2 Pet 1:19).
The word "transfiguration," in fact, originates from the Greek word meaning "changed in form." It is the same root from which the word "metamorphosis" originates. And when we think of metamorphosis, we often think about striking change - just as when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly.
Striking change is exactly what Jesus calls for - a change of heart, a metamorphosis of mindset! How is this done? Consider that Jesus' transfiguration occurred when He was praying and in communion with God. That is the means by which we are to experience our own change. Through God, we can transform from our old, sinful selves, to be like Him - "pure, as he is pure" (1 Jn 3:2).
It's no accident Jesus takes company with Him up the mountain. He wants witnesses. When Peter, James, and John see Jesus' face change and His garments turn a dazzling white, they are filled with reverence because they realize His glory is also theirs. They bear witness to Jesus' transfiguration for their own sake - to give them hope as the Lord went to His death. It is also intended for our sake - to give us hope of the glory that can sustain us through hard times.
Jesus, take me to the mountaintop where I may surrender to Your divine glory. In prayer, may I, too, find Your source of beauty and divine joy. Amen.
Scripture
1 Cor 15:51-57
1 John 3:2
Catechism
554-56
Diary of St. Faustina
205, 995
Readings: Gen 15:5-12, 17-18; Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Lk 9:28-36
While He was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white. Lk 9:29
Jesus' transfiguration serves to reveal His divinity as the Son of God. Through His transfiguration, Jesus reveals that the hopes of the Old Testament would be fulfilled in Him. And, yes, His transfiguration probably serves to strengthen Him for His redemptive work to come. But, equally important, the transfiguration of Jesus serves as a lesson that we, too, may be transfigured; we, too, can become new in this life through righteousness and through the light of faith. Indeed, through living as a disciple of Christ here on earth, we may serve as a "lamp shining in a dark place" (2 Pet 1:19).
The word "transfiguration," in fact, originates from the Greek word meaning "changed in form." It is the same root from which the word "metamorphosis" originates. And when we think of metamorphosis, we often think about striking change - just as when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly.
Striking change is exactly what Jesus calls for - a change of heart, a metamorphosis of mindset! How is this done? Consider that Jesus' transfiguration occurred when He was praying and in communion with God. That is the means by which we are to experience our own change. Through God, we can transform from our old, sinful selves, to be like Him - "pure, as he is pure" (1 Jn 3:2).
It's no accident Jesus takes company with Him up the mountain. He wants witnesses. When Peter, James, and John see Jesus' face change and His garments turn a dazzling white, they are filled with reverence because they realize His glory is also theirs. They bear witness to Jesus' transfiguration for their own sake - to give them hope as the Lord went to His death. It is also intended for our sake - to give us hope of the glory that can sustain us through hard times.
Jesus, take me to the mountaintop where I may surrender to Your divine glory. In prayer, may I, too, find Your source of beauty and divine joy. Amen.
Scripture
1 Cor 15:51-57
1 John 3:2
Catechism
554-56
Diary of St. Faustina
205, 995
aggb