2nd Sunday of Lent: Transfiguration Mt 17:1-9

03-05-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Peter, James, and John experienced God’s manifestation differently when “a bright cloud cast a shadow over them” and heard the voice confirming the only begotten Son. Like the many Old Testament manifestations of a thick and luminous cloud, this phenomenon signifies God’s presence. During Israel’s exodus: The LORD preceded them, in the daytime using a column of clouds to show them the way (Ex. 13:21). When God gave the Ten Commandments, the mist of God’s glory overshadowed Mt. Sinai as Moses received it (Ex. 24:15-18). The clouds filled up the tabernacle or tent, a clear sign of God’s presence (Ex. 40:34). And when the first temple built by King Solomon was dedicated, a cloud overshadowed it (1Kg. 8:11).

Unfortunately, in the 6th century BC, the prophet Ezekiel received a vision of God’s glory cloud leaving the temple and Jerusalem because of Israel’s sinfulness. The prophets envisioned the return of this cloud to God’s people in the eschatological age. Thus, for many, the experience of the disciples of Jesus at Mt. Tabor of the cloud cast was the fulfillment of the prophetic hope of Israel. With the cloud overcast on the disciples, they heard a voice saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. The disciples tremble in fear hearing the voice, like the fearful people of Israel at Mt. Sinai when they heard the voice of God like thunder (Ex. 20:18-21). First, they saw the transfiguration of Jesus, when His face shone like the sun and clothes turned white as light. Second, the voice of God; confirms the self-revelation of Jesus to His disciples before the first passion prediction: You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Mt. 16:16). The disciples – in fear and awe prostrated. One moment they saw Moses and Elijah, and the next, they disappeared; and Jesus alone remains to complete the work of redemption that those two Old Testament figures foreshadowed.

The transfiguration also foreshadowed the glorious nature of Jesus’ mission. In the passion and death of Jesus, they crucified not an ordinary man in Calvary but the beloved Son of God. The same Jesus glorified freely submitted himself with all humility to redeem the world.

God manifests Himself to us if only we let Him, give time for Him in prayer, and allow us to experience Him in our daily life. But most people are too busy with their lives that they have no time to spare for God, develop and nourish a relationship with Him. Even if they have, they rush like Peter to put up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. We tend to react in haste and not give enough time to reflect on what God wants from us. As an adage says: Haste makes for waste. We must listen to Him: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him. Listen to Jesus more, listen to Him well, and listen to Him again and again amid everything happening in our life.

Do we still listen to Him? If God were looking at the world we are living in now, what we have become, and what we are doing, would He be disappointed? Listen to Him. If we want this world to be back on track with God, we must listen to Him. We need to go back to the basics: humility, charity, respect, and being kind to one another. God speaks to us; let us listen to Him. Be still and know I am God (Psalm 46: 10). Let us go through life’s challenges with faith in our hearts and courage, knowing that God is in control; and has a perfect plan. Remember, we are just passengers, and God is the driver.

Lent is a season of finding a quiet time to be in communion with God. To experience a loving, gentle,
understanding, and forgiving Father. The Father wants to be personal with us. If God touched us once, He would touch us again in His own time, according to His will and grace. This Lent, let us offer prayers and sacrifices for our loved ones who need healing, conversion, and TRANSFORMATION.