Second Sunday of Lent (Year C) – 16th March 2025

Quick Glance Summary:

• Theme: Our life journey ultimately leads to glory. 
• Key Message: Being true to ourselves leads to suffering; suffering leads to glory.
• First Reading: God's promise to Abram. (Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18).
• Responsorial Psalm: The Lord is my light and my help. I shall see his goodness in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14).
• Second Reading: Remember the transforming power of Jesus and live a life worthy of his promise. (Philippians 3:17—4:1).
• Gospel: The Transfiguration of Jesus: the life of Jesus will involve suffering, but that very suffering will lead to his transfigured glory. (Luke 9:28b-36).

Gospel Reading:

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."

Overview of the Gospel Passage:

The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment where Jesus' divine nature is revealed to His closest disciples. Ascending the mountain to pray, Jesus is transformed, His appearance radiant. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, converse with Him about His forthcoming passion. The disciples, initially drowsy, awaken to this magnificent vision. Peter's impulsive offer to erect tents signifies a desire to prolong the experience. However, a divine voice from the overshadowing cloud declares Jesus as the chosen Son, commanding them to listen to Him. This event reveals a glimpse of his glory and underscores Jesus' fulfillment of the Old Testament. It prepares the disciples for the trials ahead.

Connecting the Gospel to Today's Cultural Context:

Lent begins with two key moments in the story of the life of Jesus. We are invited to consider our own life journey in the light of those moments. 

Last Sunday, through the story of the temptations in the desert, we saw how life brings us temptations that pull us away from being true to ourselves. This Sunday, through the story of the transfiguration of Jesus, we reflect on two consequences of being true to ourselves. 

The first consequence will be sacrifice and suffering. No one ever did anything worthwhile free of cost. Every worthwhile work of art or literature or music, every significant discovery in the world of science and technology, every milestone in medicine: they all cost something to the people who brought something wonderful to the world through being true to themselves. The second consequence is that being true to ourselves leads to glory. When the astronauts came back from the moon, they received a ticker-tape parade. When we listen to an uplifting piece of music, or read a moving book or watch an affecting film: there is within us a deep response of admiration for those who produced them and gave us the gift of such wonderful moments in our lives. There is glory in worthy achievements.

The story of Jesus in his transfiguration shows us the glory that comes from being faithful to what we know to be right.  That same glory also carries over into the wondrous life of heaven and eternity. In Jesus, suffering and glory went together. Glory emerged out of suffering.

The same will be true in our own lives if we seek to live life in line with our truest selves and in line with God’s way. 

Reflection Questions with Responses:

• Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful
  • Individuals facing uncertainty: Abram's journey and God's covenant assure those grappling with doubt that faith in God's promises leads to fulfillment.
  • Communities seeking transformation: The Transfiguration exemplifies profound change, inspiring communities aiming for renewal and deeper spiritual connection.
  • Those discerning their purpose: Paul's reminder of our heavenly citizenship encourages individuals contemplating their life's direction to focus on eternal truths.
• What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?
  • Weaknesses: Doubt, complacency, and inattentiveness to divine guidance.
  • Virtues: Faith, vigilance in prayer, and obedience to God's will.
• What is the feeling tone of each reading?
  • First Reading: Hopeful and covenantal, highlighting trust in divine promises.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Confident and trusting, expressing reliance on God's protection.
  • Second Reading: Encouraging and exhortative, urging steadfastness in faith.
  • Gospel: Awe-inspiring and revelatory, showcasing divine glory and authority.
• Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of each reading?
  • First Reading: St. Teresa of Ávila, who trusted profoundly in God's promises amidst reformations.
  • Responsorial Psalm: St. John Paul II, whose motto "Be not afraid" reflected unwavering trust in the Lord.
  • Second Reading: St. Augustine, who, after a life of searching, anchored himself in the heavenly city.
  • Gospel: St. Francis of Assisi, whose life mirrored transformative encounters with Christ leading to profound change.
• What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?
  • Art: "The Transfiguration" by Raphael captures the luminous transformation of Christ.
  • Poetry: "Transfiguration" by Malcolm Guite reflects on the spiritual significance of the event.
  • Music: "Be Thou My Vision," an ancient hymn, echoes themes of divine guidance and enlightenment.
• Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that? Reflecting on personal experiences, there may have been moments akin to the disciples' witnessing of the Transfiguration—times when encountering God's presence led to profound personal transformation. Sharing such stories can inspire others to seek and recognize divine encounters in their own lives.

First Reading:

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

"The Lord took Abram outside and said, 'Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,' he added, 'shall your descendants be.' Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. He then said to him, 'I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.' 'O Lord God,' he asked, 'how will I know that I will possess it?' He answered him, 'Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.' Abram brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.'"

Responsorial Psalm:

Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14

Response: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?* (R.)

Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me. Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks. (R.)

Your presence, O Lord, I seek. Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper; cast me not off. (R.)

Second Reading:

Philippians 3:17—4:1

"Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved."