SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT- YEAR-C

I Reading: Genesis 15:5-12. 17-18: God enters into a Covenant, the man of faith.

II Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1: Christ will transfigure our bodies into copies of his glorious body.

Gospel: Luke 9:28-36: As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed.

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

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 (Mk 9:2-13; Mt 17:1-13; Lk 9:28-36). A close study of the transfiguration will strengthen the faith of any believer in his/her 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 in order to have his strength renewed. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Belief in Him is absolutely essential (1Jn 5:1).

1. Faith in Christ is a source of strength in our Christian life.

2. Faith in Christ is the light of our life.

3. Faith in Christ brings joy to our life.

We receive strength from God during the time of suffering, temptations, persecution and rejection when we pray daily like Jesus prayed on the mountain.

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