2nd Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2021
The Word, Source: Mark 9.2-10
The Transfiguration of Jesus.
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
4 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
6 He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
7 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
REFLECTION
As you may have noticed, we have made a great jump from Mark’s first chapter to the ninth chapter. Those first eight chapters layout Jesus action style – preaching and healing and preparing his disciples. At this particular moment he wants to share his full identity with Peter, James and John. They were among the very first disciples chosen to follow Jesus and now he reveals himself to them in his glory and through a powerful voice from Heaven.
We hear that they are bewildered by the events, but most surely strengthened in their trust in Jesus of Nazareth. But as they go down the mountain Jesus asked them to keep events secret until “ . . . the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” If the Transfiguration was a moment of glory, this is a disturbing end to the day. They were bewildered – we will see how it works out in a few weeks.
MY PRAYER
Today’s Gospel is quite graphic, even brilliant. It lends itself well to the power of imaginative prayer. So, as we settle in quiet prayer, we let our imagination picture the event – Jesus in glory.
As you prepare yourself for this time of prayer –Set yourself quietly for a few moments, Read again the story of the Transfiguration above
- Consider what grace, what blessing you desire at this moment for your life:
- a renewal of God’s blessings for you;
- a renewed sense of God’s presence, Jesus presence in your life;
- a sense to live the reality of being a son, a daughter of God in the spirit of Jesus.
See Jesus and the brightest of his bright white garments. See Moses and Elijah – the Law and Profits of the Old Testament
I pray –
- Jesus – It is good to be here (say that again and again; repeated again and again – )
- Jesus – Let me prepare a place for you – (repeat and repeat)
- Jesus – speak and help me to listen –
- I thank the Lord Jesus – that in him God is my Father –
Thank you, Jesus, that you have called me to be with you –
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Scripture from the New American Bible
