Reflection for Sunday March 13, Second Sunday of Lent: Luke 9:28b-36

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 

Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. 

While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

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Reflection:

A carefree young man had a car accident that nearly cost him his life. During his recovery he carefully discerned the implication of that accident to his life and he said to himself: “I need to change my lifestyle otherwise I would die. That car accident was his moment of transfiguration. Hence, he became responsible, he shunned his undesirable friends and he served as a catechist in their parish church.  

Have you already had your own moment of transfiguration?

In the transfiguration of Jesus at the mountain of tabor the three disciples: Peter, James and John saw firsthand how Jesus was transfigured. From a mortal like them Jesus’ face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white (Luke 9:29).

What was going on before the three apostles went to the mountain to witness Jesus transfiguration? The three were with the Lord doing their mission. They witnessed many miracles being performed by Jesus. Yet, Jesus also told them that He would soon suffer and be put to death by His persecutors (Luke 9:22).

Upon hearing from Jesus that He was going to suffer perhaps the three had a low morale. They can’t believe that this is going to happen to their Lord and master. And with this premise Jesus brought them to the mountain of tabor for them to know and see His real identity. And for the three of them to know what awaits them if they would be faithful to their mission until the end.

With their witness of Jesus transfiguration, the three apostles were also transfigured albeit in a different manner. Their witness of Jesus transfiguration energized their sagging spirits. It boosted their motivation to continue to move forward with their sacred mission of evangelization.

At what stage are you in your life right now? Are you facing your own share of challenges? Don’t give up, remember that this is just temporary. In the end there will be a price that awaits you and that is to be with Jesus in heaven someday.

 Let the transfiguration of Jesus energize you, strengthen you and let it give you hope. So that you too could be motivated by the powerful transfiguration of Jesus as you move ahead with your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas