March 5, 2023
Matthew 17: 1-9
Last Sunday’s gospel was about “temptations” (Mt. 4: 1-11) and this Sunday’s theme is about “glory” (Mt. 17:1-9). Matthew’s gospel captures the human condition – we are weak, vulnerable and sinful and at the same time we have a vision of strength, victory and glory.
“This is my beloved Son, hear Him.”
Coming to see another in a new light takes efforts, listening, willingness to changes ourselves. Often seeing the other in a new light results from a fresh and surprising ENCOUNTER. Peter, James and John certainly had a fresh and surprising encounter with Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration. And changing themselves took growth and time. Coming down from the mountain must have left them with continuing encounters of dialog, listening, and activity before a future TRANSFORMATION.
The glory of Jesus in the transfiguration foreshadows the glory to be given to all who remain faithful to him, of being open to his Presence. The mountain is steep; the climb is ours to choose; this vision at the top is divine… “white as light,” shining “like the sun.” Have you been to the mountain with Jesus?
We may want to ask: How do we listen to Jesus? We listen when we are open to the suggestions of others for changing our behavior; when we take time to listen to God’s word in prayer, when we allow ourselves to be strengthened by the support and encouragement of others. We are pleasing to Jesus when we live as he did. We experience Jesus’ Presence in the goodness and kindness of others, in the community gathered for liturgy and prayer, in our reflective moments with those we love.
As we pray, fast and give alms especially during this Lenten Season, we learn to see, reflect, and act to embrace our relationship with God, each other, and all of creation. This is the work of discipleship and it is the touch of Jesus that assures us that we can live these blessings given to us.
- What was one mountain top experience of your life?
- How did you come to realize that Jesus is the one you should listen?
Matthew 17: 1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sister Angele Lewis, SNDdeN
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