II Sunday of Lent(C):Gen15:5-12,17-18,Phil3:17-4:1,Lk9:28b-36

II Sunday of Lent(C):Gen15:5-12,17-18,Phil3:17-4:1,Lk9:28b-36

Luke's version of the transfiguration of Jesus is more personal than the accounts of Mark and Matthew. Thus, for example, Luke alone tells us that Jesus was at prayer when this occurred. And he alone informs us concerning the subject of Jesus' conversation with Moses and Elijah, that they "spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem" (v.31).

Moses and Elijah represent the Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) which is centered in the exodus of God's people from the bondage of Egypt. Correspondingly, the exodus of Jesus in Jerusalem, which is his death and resurrection, will be a new exodus initiating a new covenant between God and all the people of the world. This new exodus must happen on the anniversary of the exodus from Egypt and will be the fulfillment of that pivotal event.

The liberation of the Hebrew slaves from the bondage of the Pharoah was the effect of a divine initiative revealing God's true nature as one who loves and who wishes that all in bondage should be free. This same revelation is at the center of the definitive exodus, which is the death and resurrection of Jesus. Moreover, just as the Passover meal in Israel kept alive the power of the original exodus, so also does the Eucharist of Christians make present among us the love of God as one who offers true and lasting freedom

Joke: A middle-aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she has a near death experience. During that experience she sees God and asks if this is it. God says no and explains that she has another 30 years to live.

Upon her recovery she decides to just stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc. She even has someone come in and change her hair color. She figures since she’s got another 30 years she might as well make the most of it.

She walks out of the hospital after the last operation and is killed by an ambulance speeding by. She arrives in front of God and complains, “I thought you said I had another 30 years.”

God replies, I didn’t recognize you.”

Life messages: (1) In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar become “transfigured” or transformed into the living body and blood of the crucified, risen and glorified Jesus.  Just as Jesus' transfiguration strengthened the apostles in their time of trial, each holy Mass should be our source of heavenly strength against temptations, and our renewal during Lent. 

(2) Each time we receive one of the sacraments, we are transformed. For example, baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God.  By the sacrament of reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the path of holiness.  

(3) We need 'mountain-top experiences' in our lives by spending extra time in prayer during Lent.  Fasting for one day can help the body to store up spiritual energy.  This spiritual energy can help us have thoughts that are far higher and nobler than our usual mundane thinking.

Introduction: Second Sunday of Lent

Message : Abram’s faith is sealed with a covenant initiated by God, our light and our salvation.  The transfiguration of Jesus prefigures the transformation in glory to which we are called by our sharing in the paschal mystery- the dying and rising of Jesus

The custom of reading today’s gospel near the beginning of Lent may have come from an ancient tradition which held that the transfiguration of Jesus took place forty days before Good Friday.