Second Sunday of Lent
Scripture:
Genesis 22; 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Romans 8:31b-34
Mark 9:2-10
Reflection:
The Experience of Transfiguration
Imagine: walking up a high mountain with Jesus…and a few close friends…and Jesus’ appearance is radically changed…his clothes dazzling white…with the classic figures of Moses and Elijah talking with him…Wow! A real "transfiguration"!!
Every time we pray — and Lent is prime time for renewed prayer — we go to a potential mountain of transfiguration, an experience of transformational divine encounter. As we open our hearts in prayer, God is revealed to us, sharing love and truth, light and life. The divine voice calls to us: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
And, like Jesus’ disciples at the Transfiguration, we want to stay there forever and savor this special taste of Jesus’ glory. We’re like children in the best candy store imaginable…
This Lent Jesus invites us to new moments of grace, new experiences of his transfigured glory. We need not hurry this special prayer opportunity. Together with the other penitential and sacrificial aspects of our Lenten renewal, we can be slowly transformed and our faith strengthened; God’s love can radiate from our deeds as well as our words.
Jesus bids us walk with him these days. May our eyes and our hearts be open to his powerful presence.
Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky.