On this second Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to go up with Jesus to a high mountain (cf. Mt 17:1-9). The Transfiguration constitutes a “strategic pause” on the journey to Jerusalem, revealing the glory of the Lord as sustenance for the scandal of the cross. After announcing His Passion, Jesus manifests His divinity to strengthen the faith of the disciples, revealing that the path to Calvary culminates in the light of the Resurrection.
To help you pray with this Gospel, we present below the five points we reflected on in the podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUbYNyDDtx0), which you can watch to deepen your reflection by selecting subtitles in your language.
- Peter, James and John
Jesus chooses three disciples, those He willed, to go up the mountain: Peter, James and John (cf. Mt 17:1). This choice highlights a more intimate group, the same ones who would witness the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter (cf. Mk 5:21-43) and the agony in Gethsemane (cf. Mk 14:32-33). By taking them “apart,” the Lord prepares the witnesses of His glory so that they may be able to endure the sight of His humiliation. The ascent up the mountain requires this movement of withdrawal and elevation in order to contemplate the mystery of God. The Lord chooses each disciple according to His designs of love and for a unique mission.
- Moses and Elijah
On the top of the mountain, Moses and Elijah appear conversing with Jesus (cf. Mt 17:3). Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence manifests Jesus as the full fulfillment of the entire history of salvation and of the promises made to Israel. The dialogue between them (not reported by Saint Matthew) refers to the “exodus” of Jesus (cf. Lk 9:31) — His Passover in Jerusalem — and confirms that all Scripture converges toward the mystery of the cross and the victory over death. The whole Old Testament is prophecy pointing to Jesus.
- The luminous cloud
While Peter was still speaking, wishing to make three tents for them, a luminous cloud overshadowed them (cf. Mt 17:5). In biblical tradition, the cloud (the Shekhinah) signals the glorious presence of God and here one can especially see an image of the Holy Spirit. Unlike ordinary clouds that bring darkness, this one is luminous, for it manifests the divine glory that envelops Jesus and the disciples. This moment of theophany immerses man in the mystery of God, where the light of Christ dispels the darkness of doubt and fear.
- The voice of the Father
From within the cloud, the voice of the Father is heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Mt 17:5). This declaration confirms the messianic identity of Jesus and gives us an indispensable command: Listen to Him. In the season of Lent, listening to the Word of Jesus becomes our compass. To listen to the Son means to welcome His will and follow His steps, recognizing in Him the definitive Word of God for us. With the luminous cloud and the voice of the Father addressing Jesus, the Son, the manifestation of the Trinity is completed.
- The fright, the fear and the secret
Upon hearing the voice, the disciples were greatly frightened and fell on their faces (cf. Mt 17:6). Their first reaction was fright, and then they were afraid; therefore Jesus approached them, touched them and said to them: “Rise, and do not be afraid” (Mt 17:7). The Lord reassures them, just as He does us when we turn to Him. As they were coming down the mountain, the Lord ordered the three not to tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. This silence was necessary for a time because that glorious manifestation could only be fully understood in the light of the Cross and of the Resurrection.
Steps of Lectio Divina
- Reading (lectio): Slowly read Matthew 17:1-9. Identify the five highlighted moments: the choice of the disciples, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, the luminous cloud, the voice of the Father and the final reaction of the apostles.
- Meditation (meditatio): Jesus calls me to a “place apart” in this Lent. Have I sought moments of silence to listen to Him? The Father’s voice asks me: “Listen to Him” — which area of my life still resists listening to the Word of Jesus?
- Prayer (oratio): Pray, for example, like this: “Lord Jesus, Light of the world, touch my heart as You touched the disciples. Remove from me every fear and grant me the grace to listen to You faithfully. May the vision of Your glory sustain me in every moment of trial…” (continue your prayer as the Spirit inspires you).
- Contemplation (contemplatio): Contemplate the figure of the transfigured Jesus. Adore the beloved Son of the Father and allow the light of His presence to penetrate your soul, bringing peace and renewing your hope.
- Action (actio): This week, practice “listening” in a concrete way: devote more time to reading the Gospel and seek to act according to what the Lord inspires you, overcoming the fear of bearing witness to your faith.
Until next week!
Shalom!
(select subtitles in your language)
