2nd Sunday of Lent - Year C - The Transfiguration & “The Glory of These Forty Days”
As we come to the Second Sunday of Lent, we are called to reflect deeply on the profound narrative of Jesus’ Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke vividly depict this extraordinary event, where Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James and John, is transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes dazzling white. This divine manifestation not only reveals Jesus’ true glory but also foreshadows the Paschal mystery, reminding us of the ultimate purpose of Christ’s earthly ministry: redemption and salvation.
In contemplating the Transfiguration, we are invited to consider its relevance in our own spiritual journey. Like Peter, James and John, we too are called to ascend the metaphorical mountaintop of prayer and encounter the radiance of God’s presence. Lent offers us the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey, to draw closer to the divine and allow ourselves to be transfigured by the grace of God.
However, the path to transformation is often marked by challenges and trials. In the Gospel narrative (Lk. 9:28-36), we see how Peter, in his awe and confusion, suggests building three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, seeking to prolong the moment of divine revelation. Yet, even as he speaks, a cloud overshadows them and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. This admonition serves as a gentle reminder for us to let go of our attachments to fleeting experiences and to fix our gaze on Christ alone.
The Transfiguration narrative underscores the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments. The presence of Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, signifies the fulfillment of Scripture in Jesus Christ. As we journey through Lent, we are called to immerse ourselves in the richness of Scripture, allowing its timeless truths to illuminate our path and guide our steps.
The Second Sunday of Lent beckons us to embrace transformation wholeheartedly. It urges to relinquish our preconceived notions and open ourselves to the wondrous possibilities that lie ahead. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, may we cultivate hearts that are receptive to God’s grace, minds that are attuned to His wisdom, and spirits that are ablaze with His love. May this Lenten season be a time of profound renewal and spiritual awakening, leading us ever closer to the radiant presence of Christ, who is the source of our hope and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.
In honor of the Lenten Season, we’d like to share our latest video, “The Glory of These Forty Days”, a traditional Lenten hymn written by St. Gregory the Great. This hymn is appropriate for singing at any time during Lent as the stately text connects Jesus’ wilderness fast with the solitary testing of other prophetic souls: Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and John the Baptist.
Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below:
