Second Sunday of Lent
Gospel – 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.”

Reflection on Sunday Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we receive a glimpse of the true power of God. Right before their eyes, foreshadowing the glorified Christ, Peter, James, and John see Jesus transfigured, “…his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” Then, Moses and Elijah appear talking with Jesus. For the three apostles present, it must have been an amazing experience. They were so excited they even offered to set up tents so that they all may stay. The joy quickly shifts to a fright once God came to them in a cloud, stating, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

During Lent, we depart from our typical routine and challenge ourselves to deepen our relationship with God. We give more, pray more, and fast more in order to be transformed. In De La Salle’s Meditation during time of Retreat, he explains that while Jesus transformed externally, we must be transformed internally through time alone in prayer. As we continue to walk through this season of Lent, may we remember that we can change for the better and that it is only possible through the power of God.

St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!

Mr. Zac Ufnar
Calvert Hall College – Campus Minister