2nd Sunday of Lent
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of the covenant between Abram and God. Because of this, God rewards Abram with countless descendants, land, and a special relationship with God. As descendants of Abram, we, too, are recipients of this blessing.
In the second reading from Saint Paul to the Philippians, we are reminded that, like Paul and the saints, we are to be imitators of Christ even amid trials and hardships. By doing so, we will have a place in heaven where Jesus will change our lowly body to conform to his glorified body.
In today’s gospel, Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray. This gospel recounts the transfiguration of Jesus, his face changes in physical appearance and his clothing becomes dazzling white while he is conversing with Elijah and Moses. With excitement, the three disciples who had fallen asleep awaken, and Peter blurts out that they should build tents for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke points out that Peter did not know what he was saying. While still speaking, a cloud shadows them, and a voice from the cloud proclaims: This is my chosen Son; listen to him.
In the Eucharist, not only are we washed in the radiance of Jesus’s transfiguration like Peter, James, and John, but we are also transformed through receiving his most precious body and blood.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are called to continuous reflection. Do we put our trust and faith in God? Do we strive to imitate the saints and holy people in our lives who are true imitators of Christ? Do we open ourselves to the transforming powers of the Eucharist?
Let us pray:
Lord and source of all gifts, we rejoice in the fullness of your generosity. We thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus in the Eucharist. May our hearts be ever-changing and grow as we journey to you. Amen
