THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS
First Reading: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13 and 15-18
Second Reading: Romans 8: 31-34
Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 2-10
*First reading is from the book of Genesis. The story of Abraham, the father of faith is narrated in detail. In spite of his total faithfulness to the Lord God, Abraham is severely tested by the Lord God. Sara and Abraham are advanced in age when they are blessed with a son as promised by the Lord God. But unexpectedly, the Lord God asks Abraham to offer Isaac his beloved son as a sacrificial offering. Abraham is confused and heartbroken. But he does not falter and decides to sacrifice Isaac as asked by the Lord God. When about to sacrifice his son, the Lord God spares his son. Instead, Abraham is told to sacrifice a ram. Seeing his total trust and obedience to Him, Abraham is blessed by the Lord God. He is told that his descendants would be as many as the stars in heaven.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul instructs the Christian community in Rome and us that in Jesus we have an intermediary who will never fail us. He assures us that if God is for us, who can be against us? Through these encouraging words, Paul speaks to us about the depth of God's love for us. He reminds us that God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us.
Jesus' transfiguration on Mount Tabor Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. The transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor and subsequent revelations are narrated in detail. Jesus with three of His beloved disciples climbs the mountain. On the mountain top, He is transfigured in the presence of His disciples. He is covered in heavenly glory. The disciples are overwhelmed and are very happy by this heavenly experience. The presence of Moses and Elijah- two towering figures of Old Testament- is a sign that Jesus is the fulfilment of all that had been foretold in the past. Jesus' momentary change of bodily appearance and the voice of the heavenly Father confirms that Jesus is truly sent by God the Father. The transfiguration event is both comforting and challenging for us. It is comforting because we know that our Lord and Saviour Jesus is truly the Son of God and beloved of the Father. It is challenging because the Father invites us to listen to His Son and follow His teachings and be true witnesses to Him in our lives. If we are faithful to the Lord, we too will one day experience His heavenly glory.
"At His transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His heavenly beauty to which He will shape and colour those who are His." - St. Thomas Aquinas
(Please note: "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Joy Joseph svd" is available on YouTube- Second Sunday of Lent B)
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