Reflection for March 16 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 implications of that accident on his life and said to himself, “I need to change my lifestyle; otherwise, I will die.” That car accident became his moment of transfiguration. Hence, he became responsible, shunned his undesirable friends, and served as a catechist in their parish church. 

Have you already had your own moment of transfiguration? 

In the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount 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 happening before the three apostles went up the mountain to witness Jesus’ transfiguration? They had been with the Lord, carrying out their mission. They had witnessed many miracles 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 this, the three likely felt disheartened. They could not believe that such suffering awaited their Lord and Master. It was in this context that Jesus brought them to Mount Tabor—to reveal His true identity to them and to show them what awaited them if they remained faithful to their mission until the end. 

By witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration, the three apostles were also transformed—though in a different way. Their encounter with Jesus in His glorified state uplifted their spirits, renewed their strength, and motivated them to continue 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, this is just temporary. In the end, there is a prize that awaits you—the eternal joy of being with Jesus in heaven. 

Let the transfiguration of Jesus energize you, strengthen you, and give you hope. May His powerful transfiguration inspire you to move forward in faith, no matter what difficulties you may encounter. — Marino J. Dasmarinas