Sr. Dr. Bincy Thumpanathu CMC
READING: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:1-9).
REFLECTION: The Synoptic Gospels narrate the transfiguration of Jesus. We will focus on three things from this passage.
(1) Jesus takes Peter, James and John to a high mountain. Mountains are mentioned frequently in the Bible and have a special significance, where the encountering between the Lord and his people takes place. During the liturgical season of lent we too are invited to ascend into a high mountain, refraining from our old repetitive and tiresome routines in order to have a unique experience in the company of Jesus.
(2) A voice was heard from the cloud: “Listen to him.” The indication is very clear: listen to Jesus. Lent is a beautiful and blessed time of grace to listen to the One who speaks to us. Listening to Christ can take place in many ways. We hear the Lord speak to us through liturgy, word of God and at the time of prayer. Apart from this, the Lord speaks to us through our brothers and sisters. This mutual listening is beneficial in our pilgrimage on earth. We cannot remain on the mountain and enjoy the bliss of encounter on our own accord. Enlightened by this encounter we have a mission to ignite lights in people’s hearts.
(3) “He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Personal transformation is the true spirit of the season of Lent. In what ways can we change? You have to change your spiritual idleness to zeal. You have to shift from grudges and be reconciled with all. You have to fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. The list goes on.
PRAYER: Dear God, may your light guide our life. In this season of Lent, create a clean heart in us, a humble heart, a serene heart, a compassionate heart, a devout heart, a transformed heart which loves you above all things and see your goodness and your glory in new ways. Lord, help us to walk through this season intentionally, removing distractions that take our gaze away from your glory. Shine your light in us, through us, over us that we may make a difference in this world which is so desperately needs your presence and glory.
CONTEMPLATION: Take time to re-read and to reflect on the scriptural passage. Examine the following: What does this passage saying to me? What kind of conversion is the Lord asking of me during this Lenten period? Peter, James and John witnessed Christ “transfigured before them with his face shining like the sun.” Am I able to see the same glory during the hours of my prayer?
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain.” Am I ready to climb the high mountain together with Jesus? It requires a lot of effort, sacrifices dedication, discipline and asceticism. Ask Lord’s guidance and direction.
The voice that was heard from the cloud said: “Listen to him.” Lent is a time of grace to listen to Jesus. In your heart do you sense that He is calling you? Are you brave enough to step out in faith to do your commitments entrusted to you? Let his loving gaze lift your heart, touch your lives, transform your attitudes and behavior and make you shine.
ACTION: How you will accomplish your pledges for the Lenten observances?
• whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col 3:17)
• Give to the hungry some of your food, and to the naked your clothing. Whatever you have left over, give away as alms; and do not let your eye begrudge the alms that you give (Tobit 4:16).
