Gospel Reflection Mar 13 – Msgr. Hendricks
Sunday, March 13
Second Sunday of Lent
Luke 9:28b – 36
Gospel:
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
Gospel Reflection:
This gospel passage from St. Luke is the passage of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. The overall theme is that the gospel passage gives us yet another powerful image of a future hope of life in Christ.
This passage is a manifestation of God, a deep sleep on the part of the apostles, the voice of God from the cloud, the appearance of Moses (representing the Law or the commandments), and Elijah (representing the prophets), finding their completion in Jesus as the Son of God and the Christ.
This gospel passage is given to us at the beginning of Lent each year to help us understand what lies before us at Easter and more appropriately, what we can expect from a life dedicated to Christ and His teachings, that is life with Him in heaven.
The passage tells us also about the travels and travails that Jesus will find in Jerusalem, and his determination to go there to do the will of the one who sent him.
The passage ends with the words from God, “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” Yes, during this journey of Lent, Listen to Him. Take him into your heart, be cleansed and forgiven, so that we might, at last, see Him face to face.
Catholic Relief Services: Stories of Hope
It’s 5 a.m. in the village of Xequemeyá, Guatemala, but Raúl and Lilian Chanchavac are already starting their day. First, they thank God for all he has given them—their two sons, a field full of plants and a successful business. They certainly have a lot to be thankful for. It all started with a dream to flourish and to help others do the same.
“All things are achieved when one sets out to do so,” Raúl says.
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