(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)
2nd Sunday of Lent (C), February 24, 2013Liturgical readings
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17 - 4:1
Luke 9:28-36
Listen to Him.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent in Year C presents the mystery of the Lord's Transfiguration. Luke describes this event in Chapter 9. Jesus was praying on a mountain, and then His face and clothing became dazzlingly white. The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him and spoke of the His passage which He was about to fulfil in Jerusalem. While this was happening, Peter, John and James were asleep. But the event awoke them and they saw the dazzling glory of the Lord with Moses and Elijah. Peter said: "Master, how good it is for us to be here...let us set up three booths..." A cloud suddenly overshadowed them - causing fear in their hearts. A voice spoke from the cloud: "This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to Him." As the voice fell silent, and Jesus was there alone with them, the disciples kept quiet. They told nothing of what they had witnessed.
The last time we hear of a similar Voice speaking in the same manner, was during the feast of the Lord's baptism. The gospel passage also presents a voice from heaven saying: "This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on Him." It was the voice of the Father. The voice confirms in both instances, in both the Baptism of the Lord and the Transfiguration, the divine Sonship of the Lord. The only difference between what the voice said in the event of the Baptism and in the event of the Transfiguration is the emphasis of "Listen to Him" in the Transfiguration event. That emphasis from the voice of the Father is important - for if only the apostles and disciples listened well to all that the Lord had spoken of, then they would have understood well the meaning of the events that would occur in Jerusalem, and not flee when Jesus was arrested and led to His crucifixion.
Lent is a time for more listening - one with more intent and purpose. Despite any family, work or professional responsibility, one can easily resolve to set aside more time for reflection and prayer. Reflection and prayer are very healing and life-giving spiritual activities; it helps any believer and all others around him to slow down from the frenetic pace of modern life. The times we can set for reflection and prayer, for an additional Mass on a weekday, or more visits to the Blessed Sacrament, can enkindle that spiritual vision of life that is often forgotten when life is spent too much on the surface of things. It is these times of seeking the Lord's presence in the liturgical season of Lent, where one can rediscover the priceless value of listening to the Source, God Himself in Word and Sacrament, to strengthen our resolve to follow His will in all matters of work and life.