Being Pleased with the Son

 2nd Sunday of Lent: March 05, 2023

Readings: Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20, 22; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/8wXT7Pxis0Q

The death toll from the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake has risen to 51,000.  This incident tells us that we are not in control of nature. We may make use of intelligence, and better engineering knowledge to withstand our buildings to such natural disasters, but our expertise fails and there are limits to human wisdom. In our country, the tragedy surrounding the sinking of the town Joshimath in Uttarakhand shows that if we do not follow the laws of nature, we are bringing upon us disaster after disaster, death after death. The year-long war in Ukraine bringing death and destruction to our so-called civilized world is another sad story of our uncontrollable greed, self-interest and jealousy. In the context of such horrendous incidents of human fatalities and bringing curses upon ourselves because of our stupidity, we are called to look at the transfiguration of our Lord which took place 2000 years ago on that Holy Mountain in Palestine.   

1. Called to transform our lives for the better

The Second Sunday of Lent focuses on the theme of transformation, as we reflect on the journey of faith and the ways in which we are called to grow and change in our relationship with God. One of the key readings for this Sunday is the story of the Transfiguration, in which Jesus is revealed in his glory to his disciples Peter, James, and John. This event marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry, as he begins to prepare for his eventual death and resurrection.

The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is not just a great teacher or prophet, but the very Son of God, and that our faith in him is the foundation of our lives as Christians. It also reminds us that transformation and growth in our faith require a willingness to listen and respond to God's voice, even when it may be challenging or uncomfortable. Therefore, we are invited to deepen our faith, trust in God's plan for our lives, and seek to live in obedience to his will. In fact, our faith requires sacrifice and may bring challenges, but ultimately it is a source of hope, joy, and transformation. 

2. Transfigured for a purpose

Matthew 17:1-9 tells the story of the Transfiguration, a powerful and mysterious event in which Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where he is transfigured before their eyes, his face shining like the sun, and his clothes becoming dazzling white. Then, the disciples see Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus, and they hear a voice from heaven saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). This experience is one of the most profound and significant moments in the life of Jesus and his disciples, and it offers several spiritual reflections for us to consider.

i. The Transfiguration reveals the divine nature of Jesus. In this event, Jesus is transfigured before his disciples, and they see him in his true glory as the Son of God. The shining of his face and the dazzling white of his clothes are symbolic of the radiance of God's presence, and the appearance of Moses and Elijah suggests that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. This event confirms Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the Son of God and reminds us of the depth and power of God's love for us.

ii. The Transfiguration invites us to listen to Jesus. The voice from heaven that the disciples hear says, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" This statement reminds us that Jesus is not just a great teacher or prophet, but the very Son of God, and we are called to listen to him and follow his teachings. The Transfiguration offers us a renewed invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to be open to the transformative power of his teachings in our lives.

iii. The Transfiguration offers us a glimpse of the glory that awaits us. In the Transfiguration, the disciples catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits them in heaven. The radiance of Jesus' face and clothes, and the appearance of Moses and Elijah, point to the beauty and wonder of God's presence and remind us that we are called to live in hope and faith, knowing that God's love will ultimately triumph over all the trials and tribulations of this world.

The Mount Tabor experience of our Lord and his disciples is a window into the divine nature of Jesus and his teachings. Perseverance matters and we need encouragement on a journey with God. As we reflect on the story of the Transfiguration and the themes of transformation and growth in our faith, we are invited to deepen our relationship with God, seek to live in obedience to his will, and trust in his love and faithfulness. This will help us to weed out our greed, self-interest and jealousy. May this second Sunday of Lent be a time of renewal and growth in our faith, as we seek to follow Christ more closely and become more fully the people God has called us to be. May we take these reflections to heart and strive to live out our faith in a way that honors and glorifies God.

Questions for reflections

1. How do I respond to moments of awe or wonder in my life? Do I take the time to appreciate them and reflect on their significance, or do I quickly move on to the next thing?
2. Have I ever had a transformative experience that changed my perspective or understanding of something? How did I respond to that experience, and did it lead to any changes in my behavior or beliefs?
3. When I pray or seek guidance, do I listen to God's voice and follow His direction, or do I rely solely on my own understanding and plans?
4. How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and grow in my understanding of His character and teachings? What practices or habits can I develop to help me stay connected to Him and His message?

Prayer based on Psalm 33:

Dear Lord, 

We come before you with grateful hearts, filled with joy and thanksgiving for who you are and what you have done. Your word declares that the earth is full of your unfailing love, and we have seen the evidence of your goodness all around us.  We praise you for your great power and might, and for your wisdom and understanding that surpasses all human knowledge. We trust in your sovereignty over all things and know that you are working all things together for our good.

Help us to put our hope and trust in you alone, and not in the fleeting things of this world. May we always seek to honor you with our words and actions, and may our lives reflect your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus' Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 03, 2023