Second Sunday of Lent

The Transfiguration

Brothers and Sisters,

As we continue in this journey of Lent, we find ourselves being drawn to a new type of remote place. Last week, the Spirit led Jesus into the desert. This week, we see Jesus lead Peter, James & John up the mountain, in order that they may behold the full glory of His transfigured self. I would like to highlight the quote from Peter as we reflect on the mystery of what Christ is inviting us, His beloved brothers and sisters in the Father, into as reveals Himself in full glory. 

“Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’  He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.”

Why are Moses and Elijah present with Jesus as he is transfigured? Of all the ways God could reveal His glory, why would He choose to do it with these two? The Church shows us here a clear image that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses was the one whom God trusted to hand down the Law to His people, Israel, and Elijah is one of the great prophets of the many in Israel’s history. 

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear law and prophets, I typically tend to feel anxiety. I feel burdened. I notice my shortcomings. I can feel “frightened.” Being Christian does impose a certain reality to us, in which we ought to obey the laws of the Church, and in Lent, we are called to follow certain fasts or ascetic practices that draw us even deeper into these same laws. This is what Peter, James, and John felt as well. This is so normal, but dear brothers and sisters, this is not where Christ wants to leave us. 

As Christ is revealed, ultimately the Father comes and repeats the words of which He spoke over Jesus at the Jordan River, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Jesus reminds us that all of his glory comes from the fact that He is the Son of the Father. Ultimately, at our baptism, these are the words the Father now speaks over us. Through our baptism, we become sons that partake in the fullness of the divine life. We become like God, and that means we also partake in the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. 

All the Laws and the Prophecies of the Church are rooted in the Love that the Father has for His Son(s). The mystery is learning to see these laws as an action of the Father’s love for us. Can we find peace knowing that our Lenten fasts will lead us deeper into the image of Christ? Can we find the will to pour ourselves out in Love, knowing the Father has filled us with the same glory of His Son’s transfiguration? Will we find time to sit and behold our same Lord Jesus in the Eucharist, who desires to fill us with His peace?

May God bless you,

Timothy Broderick - Focus Team Director, UPenn