2nd Sunday of Lent

16^th  March 2025

Lectionary Readings: Gen. 15:5-12. 17- 18; Ps. 27:1.7-9.13-14; Phil. 3:17-4:1; Lk. 9:28-36

Theme: They experienced his magnificent glory  “תִפאֶרֶת”… (Lk 24:26)

The Gospel story for the 2nd Sunday of Lent presents a profound lesson through the Transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. In Hebrew, the word for “mountain,” “har” (הַר), signifies a sacred space for prayer, as illustrated in Luke 6:12 and 22:39-41. This moment in Luke 9:28–36 encourages deeper commitment to following Jesus and illustrates the reasons for His worthiness of our allegiance. It also sheds light on Herod’s inquiries and Peter’s insights about Jesus’ identity.

As the disciples ascend the mountain with Jesus, they witness a remarkable transformation: His clothes become dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appear to converse with Him. This powerful moment provides the disciples with a glimpse of Jesus’ unveiled glory, leaving them with an unforgettable experience (cf Lk 9:27-36). This story not only inspires us to seek deeper connections in our faith but also encourages us to recognize the divine presence in our lives.

In our Gospel reading today, the Transfiguration, or “הִשׁתַנוּת,” illustrates a profound change in form or appearance, resembling a metamorphosis. This powerful event symbolizes exaltation, glorification, and spiritual transformation. It invites us to reflect on the lessons we can learn from the Christian community, which strives to please the Father and honor His Word. Central to this is the exploration of who Jesus is, what He has accomplished for us, and the essential truths that guide our faith journey. Embracing these insights can strengthen our understanding and commitment to living out His teachings.

     They witnessed the glory that is rightfully God’s, now revealed through Jesus (cf Lk 24:26). Though Peter and his companions were initially overcome by sleep, they became fully awake (cf Lk 9:32) and were blessed to see the “glory” in Hebrew, “תִפאֶרֶת” (Tiferet). At that moment, they might have also heard the profound conversation about the great mission Jesus was destined to accomplish in Jerusalem (Greek: έξοδος / Exodus) (cf Lk 9:31-51), a topic that could have weighed heavily on the disciples’ hearts.

In Hebrew, the term for “glory” (kavod / כָּבוֹד) embodies a sense of heaviness. As they drifted into a deep, symbolic sleep representative of death their “heavy sleep” stood in stark contrast to the radiant “glory” of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses in conversation. This divine glory inspired Peter to capture the moment, urging the creation of “tents” for each of them (cf Lk 9:33), perhaps echoing the joyous celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Peter’s struggle to fully grasp the significance of this experience is evident when it is noted that he did not know what he was saying (cf Lk 9:33). His joy during the transfiguration may have reminded him of the joyful harvest festival. In this sacred moment (cf Lk 9:34), it remains ambiguous whether “them” refers to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah or the disciples. Yet, God’s voice cascades from a cloud, declaring, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him,” a powerful affirmation that not only identifies Jesus at His baptism but also proclaims His identity as Son (cf Lk 9:51).

    In this pivotal moment in Jesus life, as he approaches his “Exodus,” he is embraced by the presence of Moses and Elijah. These familiar figures highlight that Jesus death will not be the ultimate conclusion of his journey. He is on the brink of “accomplishing” or “fulfilling” something remarkable in Jerusalem (cf Luke 9:31). The term “Exodus” resonates deeply with the liberation from Egypt and the journey to the Promised Land, echoing the significance of the Passover.

The word “fulfilled” underscores the profound symbolism in Luke’s account. Peter shares their awe-inspiring eyewitness experiences, as expressed in cf 2 Peter 1:16–18: “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.”

The Law and the Prophets do not vanish with the physical bodies of Moses and Elijah, just as the Gospel remains intact with the ascended body of Jesus. Law, Prophets, and Gospel are in beautiful continuity; while the bodies may be absent, the words endure. Seeing Moses and Elijah strengthens our belief in life after the grave. Moses, who died over 1,400 years before Christ (cf ETZ HAYIM Deuteronomy 34; Matthew 17:3), and Elijah, taken into heaven roughly 800 years earlier (cf 2 Kings 2:11), appear alive and radiant before Peter, James, and John.

The glorified Christ in Luke 9 gives us a glimpse of our future glory after the resurrection, reinforcing the promise that we too will rise. We must be transformed, as cf 1 Corinthians 15 reminds us that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Our bodies must undergo metamorphosis and cf Phil. 3:17-4:1 as “Heavenly Citizenship”. As we move into the second week of Lent, let’s reflect on our inner transformations versus the outward appearances. Lent is more than just an occasional event; it is a daily call to growth. It can be easy to point out the sins of others or suggest confession, but ultimately, we must confront our shortcomings. Acknowledging our flaws is essential instead of blaming others.

We may claim to be religious, professional, holy, and church-goers, but the true measure is whether our actions reflect that identity. During this Lenten season, let’s embrace the transformation that reveals the true glory of God.

While the story in Luke 9 may seem unusual, it fills us with hope. It reassures us that Jesus is who He claims to be, touching our hearts and lives with the essence of true discipleship and following Him. This builds our faith, reinforcing the truth of all we have learned. Our efforts for Jesus matter; they are meaningful and never in vain. The Transfiguration inspires us with hope for the life to come.

For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Are you at peace? Are you truly happy now? Am I living a life of holiness? Am I striving for goodness or concealing my true sins? 2. Is my union with Jesus transforming me into a devoted disciple? Am I nurturing the growth of others to witness the glory?

Bibliography: McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (New York: 1965), http://gcatholic.org/Catholic Study Bible (Senior D.); New American Standard Bible, Third Edition, 2010; ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary:  The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; Soulen Richard, Biblical Criticism, 3^rd Edition, 2001; https://aish.com/elijah-ascent-to-heaven/; https://www.britannica.com/biography/Moses-Hebrew-prophet; https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metamorphosis; 

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023

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