Breaking Open the Word
March 1 - 2nd Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Today is Sunday, March 1st. It is the Second Sunday of Lent.
Our First Reading is from the Book of Genesis. If you recall, the First Reading from last Sunday, the First Sunday of Lent, was also from the Book of Genesis. That passage spoke of Adam and Eve and their encounter with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. That passage from the Book of Genesis spoke of man’s sin and the rupture in the relationship between man and his Creator. Today’s passage from the Book of Genesis begins to reveal to us God’s plan to restore that relationship. God’s plan of salvation begins to unfold in the person of Abram – a plan that will come forth from Abram and from the making of a great nation. However, it will require Abram’s consent and, more importantly, that Abram trust in the Lord and be obedient to his plan. God is asking Abram to leave “the land of your kinsfolk”; God is asking Abram to trust and allow himself to be led to “a land that I will show you.”
We, like Abram, are being asked to place our trust in God. Our Responsorial Psalm says it beautifully, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
Gospel Explained
In the passage from the Gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus leading Peter, James and John up a high mountain. When they arrive, Jesus is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun and his clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear with Christ. There is important symbolism in this passage. The high mountain is symbolic of heaven and an encounter with the divine. Moses represents the law and Elijah represents the prophets. We are beginning to reach the summit of God’s plan of salvation. Christ, he whom Elijah and others had prophesied about and whose laws Moses wrote about, is being fully revealed for who he is – God Himself. The fullness of the divinity of Christ is manifested. There can be no doubt anymore. The voice from heaven is clear, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.”
Peter wants to stay on the top of the high mountain, to experience Christ in the fullness of his glory, and asks if he should make three tents. However, they must come down from the mountain, back to ordinary life. This is necessary for the fullness of God’s glory, for the culmination of His plan of salvation is by way of the cross. Jesus now must set his sights on Jerusalem and His passion, death and resurrection.
Today's Theme
The readings from today serve as a reminder of where we have come from, where we are going, and what is necessary to get there. We know, like Adam and Eve, that we are sinful and that our relationship with our God is in need of restoration. We are reminded that we are included in God’s plan of salvation, for we are counted among the great nation of Abram. Like Peter, James and John, Jesus wants to lead each of us to the top of a high mountain; he wants to reveal the fullness of his divinity to us. Christ seeks to be transfigured before our eyes, so that we can be transformed in His eyes.
However, like Abram, we may need to leave that which has become known to us. We must set out on a new path. We must be willing to be led by God to new places. It will require us to be obedient and trust like Abram did. It may demand that we come down from that place of glory and encounter Christ in the ordinary of life; it may demand that we too travel the way of the cross.
Theme in our Life Today
Jesus not only wants us to see his glory – he wants to share his glory with us. Jesus wants, through His glory, to see us glorified too, so He shows us the way to the Father’s glory – follow me-obey my commands. Jesus beckons us to take the path that He have chosen for us and we will receive the blessings of His Father’s kingdom. Jesus calls to us – Place your trust in me, follow me and all that I have taught you, and your name too will be written in heaven. The path to salvation is not always easy. There will be challenges, burdens and temptations along the way. However, Jesus reminds us that He is with us always. Proof of His presence, as we journey up the high mountain towards the heavenly Kingdom, occurs in the transfiguration at every Mass. The Eucharist is truly our source and summit. Jesus is with us always, through the transformation of bread and wine into His very body and blood.
Prepare for Sunday
Do you see yourself included in God’s plan of salvation, counted amongst the stars in the heavens? Why or why not?
How easy, or difficult, is it for you to leave what is known to you, to set out on a new path, to trust in Christ and be led by Him?
In what ways is Jesus seeking your transfiguration? How is He seeking to transform you this Lent? What can you do to make that possible?
In what ways is Jesus looking to be glorified in and through you? Will you give Him permission to do so?