Homilies2nd SUNDAY OF LENT: JESUS TRANSFIGURED BEFORE PETER, JAMES AND JOHNMt 17:1-9
THE TRANSFIGURATION EVENT is one of the important events in the life of Jesus. This episode is now part of the “Mysteries of Light”. Let us try to go over the important moments in this gospel passage.
Firstly, the gospel passage says that Jesus invited three of his friends, Peter, James, and John, to go to a mountain and pray. These three disciples are among the most-mentioned names in the gospels. The invitation of these three disciples by Jesus highlights the importance of communal prayer. Elsewhere in the gospels, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray in private. While private prayer is important, communal prayer is important as well. One nice practice among Catholic communities and organizations during the season of Lent is the holding of Lenten recollections and retreats. These prayerful activities recall the experience of Peter, James and John, that is, communing with Jesus. The season of Lent is a call to prayer. Therefore, if opportunity permits, we should spend time for it so that we can enter into the paschal mystery of Jesus. Moreover, this makes our celebration of Easter more meaningful.
Secondly, Jesus transfigured. The transfiguration previews the glory and splendor of Jesus at Easter, and beyond. It is a foretaste of what is to come. On the part of the disciples, the transfiguration gives them a preview of the glorious figure of Jesus. Then Jesus is shown talking to Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law, while Elijah represents the prophets. The appearance of these two figures shows that Jesus is in continuity with the Law and the Prophets. This puts Jesus within the context of the salvation history of the People of God, Israel.
Thirdly, Peter cries out to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here.” This statement of Peter is something we should reflect. Peter speaks of something “good” which may be translated into joy. Peter feels good and happy in that moment. There is joy of praying with Jesus. We can also experience joy if we are in a community. Likewise, communal prayer is also an experience of joy. Fr Patrick Peyton says, ‘A family that prays together, stays together.” But there is more of it. A family or community that prays together is a family or community filled with joy. This is also what we should feel in the holy Mass. Each time we come to a eucharistic celebration, we must also feel the joy. We should also exclaim like Peter, “Lord, it is good that we are here!”
Fourthly, it is significant that the transfiguration takes place on the road to the crucifixion. The disciples have sensed that Jesus is on the road to suffering and death. However, Peter’s proposal to Jesus, “lf you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” was a way of evading the pains on the cross. One spiritual interpretation of this statement could be building up of comfort zones. Certainly, for Peter, staying in the mountain could be more advantageous than going back to the lowland because there Jesus would encounter his own death. Jesus did not utter any response to Peter’s proposal. The gospel tells us that after the Father speaks, Jesus told the three disciples. “Rise and do not be afraid.” The transfiguration gives them strength and confidence that God is at work in the life of Jesus. It also gives them the courage to continue with their work because of the assurance that God is or would be with them. After the transfiguration event, the disciples became committed to face the future struggles.
The transfiguration is a story of determination and hope. Our tendency is to build comfort zones in our life. Our tendency is to evade the pains and struggles that are there. What God wants us is to have the capacity to face all these. We need a determination to face life’s difficulties and at the same time, cling to the hope and promise of glory. Let us remember the often-used adage, “No pain, no gain.”
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