1st Reading, Gen. 15:5-12,17-18; 2nd Reading, Phil. 3:17-4:1; Gospel, Luke 9:28-36
Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
MOVING BEYOND THE CHALLENGES OF OUR FAITH
In the first reading of this Sunday, we are presented with the story of Abram (Abraham), our father in faith. In the preceding verses before the verses for the reading of today, Abram whined and complained to God about his childlessness, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a servant of my household will be my heir” (Gen. 15:3). In this state of mind of Abram, the Lord promised that Abram’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars of the sky. At face value, this promise looked vague as Abram had no offspring.
Abram’s obstacle of childlessness did not affect his faith. Instead, he put his faith in the Lord as we read in the first reading, and it was credited to him as an act of righteousness (Gen. 15:1-12, 17-18). This great act of faith on the part of Abram made him the father of those who have faith (Gal. 3:7).
Sometimes, we have obstacles that challenge our faith and challenge our resolve to believe in the Almightiness of God. In the ordinary sense, these obstacles at face value make the word of God seem unrealizable, words that can neither come to fruition nor be accomplished. Abram was in such a situation. He had such an obstacle. He took a giant stride and made a commitment of faith. It was a risk, but it was worth it. He believed, and God fulfilled his promise to him. Abram reminds us of our own situations and how we should respond to God during trying moments of our lives.
CHRIST’S GLORY AND IDENTITY REVEALED IN TRANSFIGURATION
In the Gospel, we are presented with the story of the Transfiguration of our Lord (Luke 9:28-36). Jesus took Peter, John, and James to pray on the mountain (Mount Tabor), and while He was praying, His face changed in appearance, His clothing became dazzling white, and He was transfigured. Moses and Elijah also appeared and conversed with him. In this wonderful episode of the transfiguration of the Lord, the glory and the identity of the Lord were revealed to the Apostles of the inner circle. The excitement of the Apostles knew no bounds. As such, Peter said, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
It is essential to point out that Jesus Christ is the culmination of the Law and Prophets. He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The appearance of Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and Prophets) lends credence to that. Let us listen to Him, as the heavenly voice commanded us!
LET GOD’S GLORY SHINE OUT IN OUR LIVES
The rapturous ecstasy of Peter was such that he and indeed all the apostles did not want to depart from the presence of such a radiating glory of God shown in Jesus Christ’s transfiguration. No one who encounters the glory of God wants to depart from it. Let us make it our aspiration during this period of Lent to encounter the Lord and be engrossed in His glory.
Let God’s glory shine out in our lives. Let the fruits of God’s blessings and love, his power, wisdom, and goodness radiate through our lives so that people will give glory and honor to God through us. By so doing, we become imitators of Jesus Christ and exemplars and models of Christian life, as St. Paul advised us in the second reading. We become friends of Jesus Christ and not His enemies or that of His cross.
Always remember that Jesus loves you.