Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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Homily Reflections – Luke 9:28b-36 - 2nd Week of Lent
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Introduction: The Lenten Call to Be Transformed
On the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus’ retreat to the desert and temptations by the devil to the glory shown in Jesus’ Transfiguration. Each year on this Sunday, we read a Gospel account of the Transfiguration – whether from Matthew, Mark, or (as on this Sunday) from Luke. All three Synoptic writers situate this glorious event within the public ministry of Jesus – as a dramatic way to highlight the Transfiguration as a foreshadowing of the glorification of the Easter Resurrection. Placed here in Luke’s Gospel (chapter 9), the transfigured Christ shows the disciples – and us today – the promise that discipleship can bring both in this life and the life to come. We are all called to be transformed!
During my Lenten journey, where do I need to be transformed? Renewed? Reborn? Name it.
In his Transfiguration, we see an anticipation of the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection. Where do I see “Easter” now in those around me? Name them.
In Luke’s account, Jesus and his disciples – Peter, John, and James – go up a mountain to pray, as Moses did to receive the commandments and as the prophet Elijah did to hear the “voice of thin silence.” Mountains were considered places of encounter with the Divine. Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) represented the two great prophets of Jewish tradition, and the dazzling white clothes represented apocalyptic glory.
Have you ever experienced a dazzling mountain-top experience of contemplative prayer?
It is interesting to note that in Mark’s account, the disciples are terrified. However, In Luke’s account of the same event, there is no such terror.
When you approach the Divine in prayer, do you experience terror or fear? Or a sense of silence and peace? Or perhaps a combination of both?
Continuing the story, Luke reports that the disciples heard God’s voice from a cloud: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” The reference to the cloud is an echo from Exodus where the glory of God is depicted as a cloud (Exodus 13:21).
Do you envision yourself as “chosen?”
Another fascinating note. The disciples are so excited that they want to make three tents – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. In effect, they wanted to “freeze” or make permanent this wonderful, mystical, sacred experience – and never come down from the mountain-top experience to their ordinary lives.
Have you ever experienced a reluctance to “come down from” or return from a retreat/time of prayer?
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Luke 9:28b-36.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?
Further Questions and Reflections:
In Luke’s account, the disciples remain quiet of their own accord. They obviously do not fully understand what they have just witnessed. It is beyond their wildest imaginations.
Have you ever felt that you simply did not fully understand what God was saying to you?
“Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory.” How often can we sleep-walk” through life. How can I wake up to God’s presence in my life?
During our Lenten journey, we are in the process of being transformed – and we will be transformed. As you ponder the readings, what does God’s promise mean to you today? How do you experience it?
These “transfiguration moments” are given to us so that we can remember them when God seems so far away, and everything appears empty and useless. These experiences are true moments of grace!
Deacon David Suley
Published with Permission
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