2nd Sunday of Lent
This Sunday, we look at the popular New Testament story of the Transfiguration. Normally, the commentators for this Matthean passage invite us to meditate on the following points. The fact that the Transfiguration occurs on a mountain indicates its significance within this gospel. The Transfiguration of Jesus reveals his divinity, which we are to share after the resurrection. The appearance of Moses and Elijah places Jesus in the full lineage of the law and the prophets. And finally, Peter’s decision to hold on to this experience by setting up three tents in perpetual remembrance. All these points are valid and helpful for our meditation.
For our meditation today, we might also go beyond the obvious and customary meditation suggestions noted above and consider that the Transfiguration story invites an alternative focus, starting with the invitation to Peter, James, and John. We are also invited to this event where Jesus is transfigured, thereby focusing our attention on him, Jesus, more than on Moses and Elijah, who represent the law and the prophets. Peter’s reaction is to commemorate this event with three tents, but God ambushes his idea, and a voice is heard saying, “This is my beloved; listen to him.”
We, too, are the beloved because of our baptism, so what is said of Jesus is being said about us. Jesus is not equal to Moses and Elijah; He is greater. He is the beloved, the anointed one; he is not merely equal to Moses and Elijah. Listen to him, and do not remain myopic or limited to the obvious. Why do you suppose Jesus told the three Apostles on the way down the mountain not to tell anyone (especially Peter’s idea of three equal tents) until after the resurrection? Jesus was now the one to listen to.
Are we still with Peter, or have we begun to go further?
Prayer:
Lord, we pray that you send your Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts so that we may deepen our understanding of the Transfiguration. During this time of Lent, may we find time to pause in silence that we might listen to Christ revealing himself to us. Amen
