THE GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD JESUS
Introduction: We are in the second week of Lent. Today's liturgy brings to our attention the transformation in the life of two biblical figures. In the first reading the transformation in the life of Abraham is in focus. The Lord God brings about a great transformation in Abraham: From a non-believer to one who believes in the one true God. The Lord God makes a covenant with Abraham and rewards him for his obedience. In the Gospel we have the beautiful details about the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. During this heavenly experience, God the Father proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son. We too are invited to experience this transformation in our lives and be called sons and daughters of the Father.
First Reading: Genesis 12: 1 to 4
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 8 to 10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17: 1 to 9
*First reading is from the book of Genesis. The life of Abraham, the Father of faith, is described. A very dramatic and a personal event happens in the life of Abraham. The Lord God asks Abraham to leave his familiar world: His father's house, is clan, his country as well and go to a distant and unfamiliar land. All through his tiring journey, Abraham is convinced that the promises of the Lord God will find its fulfilment. In spite of many hardships and challenges, he totally trusts in the Lord God. He earnestly believes that the Lord God will make him a great nation and that He will bless him and he in turn will be a blessing to others. By his trust in the Lord God, Abraham becomes a blessing to many.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy and asks him not to be ashamed of testifying to the Lord Jesus. He instructs Timothy/us to share the holiness and the glory of Jesus. That enables us to face sufferings and hardships which the faithfulness to the Gospel brings.
The transfiguration of the Lord Jesus on Mount Tabor Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A graphic description about the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor is given. Jesus with three of His beloved disciples climbs the mountain and on the top of the mountain, He is transfigured. He is covered with the heavenly glory. The disciples are awe-struck and overwhelmed by this glorious heavenly experience. The presence of Moses and Elijah: Two towering figures of Old Testament at the transfiguration scene is a sign that Jesus is the fulfilment of all that has been foretold by the Prophets of old. Jesus' momentary change of bodily appearance and the voice from heaven: 'This is my beloved Son, listen to Him', confirms that Jesus is truly the chosen one, the Son of God. The transfiguration event is both comforting and challenging to 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 follow the teachings of His Son and be witnesses to Him in our lives. If we faithfully follow Him, one day, we too will experience His heavenly glory. In this context, St. Thomas Aquinas, the great theologian says: "At His transfiguration Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which He will shape and colour those are His."
Conclusion: In our earthly life, every often, we catch a glimpse of the 'something more' that God has in store for us. These fleeting experiences are moments to be treasured. The morning due, the beautiful butterflies we see in the garden, chirping of birds, the beautiful rainbow on a rainy day, the smile of a little child are part of that God experiences: To be cherished in our lives. Such experiences can help us to approach the transfiguration. Like all transcendent experiences, it is fleeting and yet it etches a memory and leaves a longing. We cannot be always on the mountain top and yet what happens on the heights can help us on the rocky terrain down below. Our memory of transfiguration experience transmitted to us through the disciples should empower us to carry on our crosses and follow the Lord. We can move along in confidence because the Lord says to us as He told His disciples: "Get up, do not be afraid, let us go to Jerusalem together."
May the Lord Jesus, who was transfigured on Mount Tabor and blessed His beloved disciples, bless you and lead you to that transfiguration experience which the disciples experienced. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, March 1, 2026)
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