SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT- YEAR-B

I Reading: Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18: The Sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith.

II Reading: Romans 8:31-34: God did not spare his own Son.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10: This is my Son, the Beloved.

 

The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heaven’s Glory, Mk 9:2-13

 

Suffering is a lesson we all find hard to understand and harder to accept. But Jesus gives the true meaning of suffering in the reading of today. Jesus saved us and entered his glory through his death and resurrection. We all have to suffer if we want to enter heaven; there is no other way to be saved. The church invites us to reflect on the wonderful outcome of the sufferings of Jesus and of our own sufferings.

Christians have good reasons to feel encouraged in the times of trial:

i.                Like Jesus, we too are assured of our Father’s love.

ii.              A great good derives from suffering patiently borne.

iii.            Suffering brings us closer to God.

iv.            Just as Jesus’ suffering brought salvation to humankind, our own suffering too helps us and helps others to be saved.

v.              What Jesus said of his own suffering applies also to ours: “I tell you most solemnly: unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.” (Jn 12:24)

vi.            Our suffering prepares our own transfiguration.

vii.          The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain preceded his passion and death. His real transfiguration took place on the day of his resurrection, when his risen body shone brighter than the sun, and his soul was filled with infinite joy. A similar change will take place in us as we die. This transfiguration is hastened for us when we suffer for his sake.

viii.        Whenever we suffer, Christ is by our side to sustain us.

ix.            Abraham never regretted whatever he had to suffer to remain faithful to God. Neither did Jesus Christ.

x.              At heaven we shall rejoice at having suffered; let us not regret having to suffer while we live on earth. At our death, we shall be rewarded with our own transfiguration and our glory will last, not for time, but forever.

The purpose of the transfiguration was to reveal heaven’s glory would strengthen Jesus to bear the cross and strengthen the disciples in their belief that Jesus was God’s Messiah (Mt 17:1-13; Lk 9:28-36). A close study of the transfiguration will strengthen the faith of any believer in his Lord. A Strengthened faith will enable the believer to bear the cross of his own call.

1.    Jesus took three disciples all alone up a high mountain (v.2)

2.    The transfiguration strengthened Jesus (2-4)

a.    His transfiguration: his clothing began to shine

b.    His companions: talked with Jesus

i.                The Great Prophet

ii.              The Great of Lawgiver

3.    The transfiguration strengthened the disciples (5-7)

a.    Helped their shattered faith

b.    Gave them a taste of glory

c.     Struck them with awesome fear

d.    Made them witnesses of God’s approval

4.    The transfiguration gave a unique opportunity to discuss God’s Messiahship (8-13)

a.    Jesus charged the disciples to tell no man about the experience until after his resurrection

b.    The disciples discussed the resurrection: Why must Elijah come first?

c.     Jesus corrected the disciples

i.                Elijah was to come first

ii.              Scriptures also said that Messiah was to die

iii.               Elijah had already come: He was John the Baptist

 

Thought: The believer must often get alone with Christ to have his strength renewed. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Belief in Him is absolutely essential (1Jn 5:1).

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