Study and Meditations on this Sunday's Scripture Readings: March 20, 2011

[Fidelis]

3 And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias, talking with him.

Ver. 3. Moses and Elias. Jesus Christ had been taken by the people for Elias, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He therefore chose the chief of all the prophets to be present, that he might shew his great superiority over them, and verify the illustrious confession of Peter. The Jews had accused Christ of blasphemy, and of breaking the sabbath; the presence of Moses and Elias refuted the calumny; for the founder of the Jewish laws would never have sanctioned him who was a transgressor of those laws; and Elias, so full of zeal for the glory of God, would never have paid homage to one who made himself equal to God, had he not really been the Son of the Most High. (St. Chrysostom, hom. lvii.) — St. Hilary thinks that Moses and Elias (who represent the law and the prophets, and who here bear witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ,) will be the precursors of his second coming, alluded to in Revelation, chap. xi, though the general opinion of the Fathers is, that the two witnesses there mentioned are Enoch and Elias. (Jansenius) — It is hence evident, that the saints departed can and do, with the permission of God, take an interest in the affairs of the living. (St. Augustine, de curâ pro mort. chap. xv. 16.) — For as angels elsewhere, so here the saints also, served our Saviour; and as angels, both in the Old and New Testament, were frequently present at the affairs of men, so may saints. (Bristow) — All interpreters agree, that Elias appeared in his own body, but various are their opinions with regard to the apparition of Moses. (Haydock)

*4 And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5 And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. *And behold a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.

6 And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.*

Ver. 6. And were very much afraid. There were two causes that might produce this fear in the apostles, the cloud that overshadowed them, or the voice of God the Father, which they heard. Their human weakness could not bear such refulgent beams of glory, and trembling in every limb, they fall prostrate on the ground. (St. Jerome) — The Almighty, it seems, was pleased to fulfil the wish of Peter, thereby to shew that Himself is the tent or pavilion, under the shade of which the blessed shall live for ever, and to sanction the public and explicit confession of Peter relative to the divinity of Jesus Christ, by his own no less public and explicit confession, joined with an express command to hear and obey him. St. Chrysostom very justly remarks, that this voice was not heard till after the departure of Moses and Elias, that no possible doubt might exist to whom it was referred, and that it was to Christ only and to no other. — Hear ye Him: i.e. as the law and the prophets are fulfilled and verified in Jesus Christ, your new legislator and prophet, you are to hear and obey Him in preference to either Moses or Elias, or any other teacher. (Haydock)
*
7 And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them: Arise, and be not afraid.*

Ver. 7. And Jesus came and touched. The terrified disciples were still prostrate on the ground, and unable to rise, when Jesus, with his usual benevolence, approaches, touches them, expels their fear, and restores them to the use of their limbs. (St. Jerome)
*
8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no man but only Jesus.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man be risen from the dead.*

**Ver. 9. **Tell the vision to no man, till the miracle of his resurrection has prepared the minds of men for the belief of this. Expose not an event so wonderful to the rash censure of the envious Pharisees, who calumniate and misrepresent my most evident miracles. Jesus Christ also gave a lesson here to his followers to observe the closest secrecy in all spiritual graces and favors.

 

[Crumpy]

Our church’s Sunday bulletin opened up the meaning of the transfiguration much more clearly than I have ever thought about it. I’ve read all the pieces of it before and at the end I always said, What happened?

And, it all fits together.

Moses and Elijah appear alongside the radiant Jesus. Peter proposes putting up some tents to keep them all around for a while. But, the cloud and voice appear and say “uh uh” THIS is my beloved Son – Listen to HIM.

I’ve never understood it in this way – forget those guys,here’s the new guy – to make the message blunt. Jesus is the one from who the radiance originates.

 

[Fidelis]

Our church’s Sunday bulletin opened up the meaning of the transfiguration much more clearly than I have ever thought about it. I’ve read all the pieces of it before and at the end I always said, What happened?

And, it all fits together.

Moses and Elijah appear alongside the radiant Jesus. Peter proposes putting up some tents to keep them all around for a while. But, the cloud and voice appear and say “uh uh” THIS is my beloved Son – Listen to HIM.

I’ve never understood it in this way – forget those guys,here’s the new guy – to make the message blunt. Jesus is the one from who the radiance originates.

 

[Fidelis]

Other commentary and thoughts on the Gospel Reading:

**1 After six days: Six days after when? After the events of the previous chapter (Matthew 16) where Jesus makes Peter the foundation of his Church, and then turns around and scolds Peter who is trying to steer him away from the cross. If the Transfiguration took place during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (see below), by one calculation, that would make Peter’s profession in Matthew 16 fall around The Feast of Atonement—the only time of year that the name of God was uttered by the High Priest. Pope Benedict XVI, in his first Jesus of Nazareth book, sees the events of Matthew 16—17 as being connected.
**
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother: When Moses ascended Mt. Sinai in Exodus 24, he also took three men with him: Aaron, Nadab and Abihu. Peter, James and John are the inner circle of the apostles. They were also chosen to be separate from the rest of the twelve in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37) and at the raising of Jarius’ daughter (Mark 5:37).

**and led them up a high mountain by themselves: **Mountains are symbolic of revelation, a kind of Galilean Sinai; God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:12-18) and Elijah at the same place (called Horeb in 1 Kings 19:8-18). In Jesus’ own ministry mountains were places of significant events: the high mountain of the temptation by Satan, the Mount of the Beatitudes, the Mount of the Transfiguration, Calvary, and the Mount of Olives from which he ascended into heaven. In Luke’s retelling of this event, we are told that Jesus ascended the mountain to pray.
**
2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light: **Transfigured = Greek metamorphose.The brightness of the illumination recalls the brightness of the face of Moses after the Sinai revelation (Exodus 34:29-35), which made it necessary for Moses to veil his face. At the Transfiguration, Jesus’ human appearance took on something of the divine, his garments became bright as light—the light shining from the inside out, rather that from the outside in (kind of like the difference between the sun and the moon. (see Is. 6; Ez. 1: 26-28; Dan. 10: 5-10 for similar visions). White garments are a sign of glory for the angels (Matthew 28:3) and the saints in heaven (Revelation 7:13-17).

**3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him: **Moses and Elijah represent respectively the Law and the Prophets. The term “the Law and the Prophets” was used to designate the entire collection of Old Testament books, and thus the fullness of the revelation of God to Israel. Jesus joins the two as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (see Matthew 5:17). Together they are testifying that Christ is the Messiah promised of old, he whom they had already prophesied.

Elijah was assumed bodily into heaven (2 Kings 2:11) and Hebrew legend has it that Moses was also assumed. This may explain how both can appear here in bodily form. Neither Matthew nor Mark tell us what was discussed, but Luke 9:31 says “They spoke about his departure (exodus), which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.”
**
4 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord: **Matthew uses the word “Lord”, while Mark uses “rabbi” as the form of address. “Lord” (Hebrew *adonai *and Greek kyrios) literally means “my great one”, an address of respect to God, angels, and earthly sovereigns.

Concluded on the next post…

 

[Fidelis]

**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.": **Peter is a master of understatement. No doubt he is making a reference to the feast of tabernacles, one of three yearly feasts for which all males of Israel were required to travel to the Temple and lived in tents (or booths). The feast occurred in September-October and lasted for eight days. The three Apostles want to stick around for a while (and so avoid the harsh implications of Jesus recent prediction of his coming suffering and death. See Matthew 16:21-28). The feast of tabernacles commemorated the sojourn of the Israelites on Mount Sinai while they received the revelation of the Law through Moses. This is not the revelation of another law, a greater reality is manifested here. Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets.

The feast of Tents or Tabernacles–a feast of lights and illuminations–was looked on in later Jewish history as a representation of God’s final kingship of the world. This thought was possibly in Peter’s mind. One thing it brings to mind is John 1:14, where we hear “the word became flesh and dwelt (literally “tabernacled”) among us.”

**5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them: ** This is the *shechinah *(glory cloud), the divine presence, the cloud that covered Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24ff), occupied the tabernacle in the time of Moses (Ex. 40:34), as well as covering Solomon’s temple when it was consecrated (1 Kgs. 8:10).

**then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”: **These words are a revelation of the sonship of Jesus; Matthew repeats the words spoken at the baptism (Matthew 3:17) and adds “listen to him” (sort of like Mary’s “do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Jesus is the Son and the revealer. The Israelites are commanded to listen to a prophet like Moses whom God will raise up for them in Deuteronomy 18:15. In other words, Jesus has supplanted both the Law and the Prophets by fulfilling what they came to reveal in an anticipatory way. From now on they (and we) are to listen to Jesus alone (verse 8).

**6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid: **It was thought that no one could see God and live. Even at Mt. Sinai, the Israelites were terrified at the voice of God (Ex. 20:18-21; see also Heb. 12:18-24).

7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”: Jesus’ touch overcomes their fear and perhaps consecrates them to further service.

**8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone: **Moses and Elijah have withdrawn; diminished in significance before the fuller revelation in Jesus.
**
9 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.”: **“Son of man” was a title given to Jesus by himself only. It was a half-hidden messianic title, taken from Daniel (7: 13), and also a stressing of his real human nature. In the semitic languages “Son of man” equals “a man.” The three disciples were not to reveal this vision until Christ had been raised from the dead. It was only then that the true messiahship, as well as the true divinity, of Christ came to be accepted by the Apostles. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor was but a brief, glimpse of it, to help these three Apostles especially.

 

[Fidelis]

Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs referencing Matthew 17:1-9

**Characteristics common to Jesus’ mysteries

516** Christ’s whole earthly life - his words and deeds, his silences and sufferings, indeed his manner of being and speaking - is Revelation of the Father. Jesus can say: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”, and the Father can say: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"177 Because our Lord became man in order to do his Father’s will, even the least characteristics of his mysteries manifest “God’s love. . . among us”.178

177. Jn 14:9; Lk 9:35; cf. Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7 ("my beloved Son").

178. 1 Jn 4:9.

**A foretaste of the Kingdom: the Transfiguration

554** From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised."290 Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he.291 In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain,292 before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem”.293 A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"294

290. Mt 16:21.

291. Cf. Mt 16:22-23; Mt 17:23; Lk 9:45.

292. Cf. Mt 17:1-8 and parallels; 2 Pet 1:16-18.

293. Lk 9:31.

 

[Fidelis]

Some questions on the Readings for personal study and reflection:

* In the 1st Reading, Abram (later renamed by God “Abraham”) receives a call from a God unknown to him to leave everything to travel to a land he’s never seen. What great virtue of Abraham’s enabled him to do this? How am I called to exercise that same virtue?

* In the 2nd Reading, how many gifts bestowed upon you by God can you pick out? What is the accomplished or desired result or product of each gift?

* It’s been six days since Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ and Jesus predicted his own death. Why is that information important for what happens next? Who does Jesus invite as witnesses? Why only three (Deuteronomy 19:5)? Why these three (Mark 5:37, 14:33; Galatians 2:9)? What was inappropriate about Peter’s response to this event?

* Why did Moses and Elijah appear?Whom do they represent (Matthew 5:17, 7:12)?

* What is significant in what the voice from the cloud says about Jesus (see Exodus 24:15)? Why does Jesus silence the disciples afterwards (verse 9)?

* How did you come to know that Jesus was the One above all others that you should listen to? What do you do to obey the command of the Father to listen to his Son? How has God said to you, “This is my beloved son [or daughter], with whom I am well pleased”?

 

[Fidelis]

A meditation on the Gospel for practical application from Catholic Matters:

**APPLICATION: **This momentary vision of Christ, in his glory, was given in order to strengthen the three principal Apostles to face the trials to their faith, which the sufferings and crucifixion of their beloved master would bring on them. For the very same reason it is retold to us today, in the early part of Lent, to encourage us to persevere in our lenten mortifications. It reminds us that, very soon, the Easter bells will be ringing out their message of joy once more. If we are sharers with Christ in his sufferings, we shall be sharers with him in his glory as St. Paul reminds us.

This is a truth we all too easily forget, namely, that we cannot and do not get to heaven in a limousine. Our spell on earth is the chance given us by our heavenly Father to earn an eternal reward. This reward surpasses even the wildest imagination of man. We could never earn it, but God accepts the little we can do and provides the balance of his infinite mercy. And yet there are many, far too many, who refuse even that little bit that is asked of them, and are thus running the risk of not partaking in God’s scheme for their eternal happiness.

And are they any happier during their few years on this earth by acting thus towards the God of mercy? Can they, by ignoring God and their duties towards him, remove all pain, all sorrow, all sufferings, from their daily lives? Death, which means a total separation from all we possessed and cherished in this world, is waiting around the corner for all of us. Who can face it more calmly and confidently—the man who is firmly convinced that it is the gateway to a new life, and who has done his best to earn admission through that gateway, or the man who has acted all his life as if death did not exist for him, and who has done everything to have the gate to the new life shut forever in his face?

Illnesses and troubles and disappointments are the lot of all men. They respect neither wealth, nor power, nor position. The man who knows his purpose in life, and is ever striving to reach the goal God’s goodness has planned for him, can and will see in these trials of life the hand of a kind father who is preparing him for greater things. His sufferings become understandable and more bearable because of his attitude to life and its meaning. The man who ignores God and tries to close the eyes of his mind to the real facts of life has nothing to uphold him or console him in his hours of sorrow and pain. Yet, sorrow and pain will dog his footsteps, strive as he will to avoid them, and he can see no value, no divine purpose in these, for him, misfortunes.

Christ has asked us to follow him, carrying our daily cross, and the end of our journey is not Calvary but resurrection, the entrance to a life of glory with our risen Savior. The Christian who grasps his cross closely and willingly, knowing its value for his real life, will find it becomes lighter and often not a burden but a pleasure. The man who tries to shuffle off his cross, and who curses and rebels against him who sent it, will find it doubles its weight and loses all the value it was intended to have for his true welfare.

Let the thought of the Transfiguration encourage each one of us today, to do the little God demands of us, so that when we pass out of this life we may be assured of seeing Christ in his glory, ready to welcome us into his everlasting, glorious kingdom.

 

[Fidelis]

Sunday Bible Reflections from Dr. Scott Hahn:

Listen to Him

Today’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses.

Moses also took three companions up a mountain and on the seventh day was overshadowed by the shining cloud of God’s presence. He too spoke with God and his face and clothing were made radiant in the encounter (see Exodus 24,34).

But in today’s Lenten Liturgy, the Church wants us to look back past Moses. Indeed, we are asked to contemplate what today’s Epistle calls God’s “design…from before time began.”

With his promises to Abram in today’s First Reading, God formed the people through whom He would reveal himself and bestow His blessings on all humanity.

He later elevated these promises to eternal covenants and changed Abram’s name to Abraham, promising that he would be father of a host nations (see Genesis 17:5). In remembrance of His covenant with Abraham he raised up Moses (see Exodus 2:24; 3:8), and later swore an everlasting kingdom to David ‘s sons (see Jeremiah 33:26).

In Jesus’ transfiguration today, He is revealed as the One through whom God fulfills his divine plan from of old.

Not only a new Moses, Jesus is also the “beloved son” promised to Abraham and again to David (see Genesis 22:15-18; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 1:1).

Moses foretold a prophet like him to whom Israel would listen (see Deuteronomy 18:15,18) and Isaiah foretold an anointed servant in whom God would be well-pleased (see Isaiah 42:1). Jesus is this prophet and this servant, as the Voice on the mountain tells us today.

By faith we have been made children of the covenant with Abraham (see Galatians 3:7-9; Acts 3:25). He calls us, too, to a holy life, to follow His Son to the heavenly homeland He has promised. We know, as we sing in today’s Psalm, that we who hope in Him will be delivered from death.

So like our father in faith, we go forth as the Lord directs us: “Listen to Him!”

 

[Fidelis]

A meditation on the Gospel from the Daily Scripture Reading & Meditation website:

"This is my beloved Son; listen to him"

**Gospel Reading: ** Matthew 17:1-9

**Meditation: **What does the Lord want to make of you in this season of Lent? God made a promise to Abraham that he would make his name great so that he would be a blessing not only to his family but to all the families of the earth as well (Genesis 12:3)! The condition for the fulfillment of this promise was simple and straightforward – “Go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Abraham not only believed in God’s word, he obeyed and did as the Lord commanded him.

Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises made to Abraham and to his spiritual descendants. He succeeded because he obeyed his Father’s will. Jesus knew that the only way to glory in God’s kingdom was by yielding his will to the will of the Father. We catch a glimpse of this glory when Jesus takes three of his disciples to a lonely place on a high mountain. Jesus often went to a lonely place to pray – to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the crowds. But on this occasion, the Gospel of Luke tells us that as Jesus “was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white.” (Luke 9:29). Matthew states simply that Jesus was “transfigured before them”.

When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles.

What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem – his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God’s presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).

The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory – he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father’s glory – follow me – obey my words – take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father’s kingdom – your name will be written in heaven. Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the crown of glory that awaits each of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.

Origen, the great 3rd century bible scholar, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives: “When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness.”

Luke’s gospel tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God’s glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the “unexamined life” can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?

*“Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.” *

 

[Crumpy]

Once I had the insight into the meaning of the Transfiguration, the meaning and relevance of the other readings becomes clearer, “crystal” clear, to urge us on to faithfulness and transformation in this season of Lent.

 

[Fidelis]

Once I had the insight into the meaning of the Transfiguration, the meaning and relevance of the other readings becomes clearer, “crystal” clear, to urge us on to faithfulness and transformation in this season of Lent.

Excellent! I’d be interested in hearing how you connected both the 1st and 2nd Readings to the Gospel Reading.

 

[Fidelis]

From “The Word Among Us” magazine:

**“It is good that we are here.” **(Matthew 17:4)

How ironic! We first see Peter gushing over how good it was to witness Jesus’ transfiguration. How magnificent it must have been! How astounding! Wouldn’t you want to stay there and drink it all in? Wouldn’t you want to linger as long as possible, and maybe even ask Moses and Elijah a couple of questions about heaven?

But then at the very next moment, even as he is basking in the glow of such heavenly radiance, Peter is ready to get to work and build a monument to honor the event.

The problem is, he can’t have it both ways. Either he stays there beholding the glory of the Lord, or he goes down the mountain to get the supplies he needs to begin his construction project. He can’t take this transfigured trio with him, but he can’t build his monument without leaving them behind. What’s an apostle to do?

More to the point, what would you do? It can be very tempting, when we feel the presence of the Lord, to want to go out and begin serving him right away. In the initial enthusiasm after a retreat, perhaps, we eagerly sign up for a couple of ministries at our parish. While this is commendable, we may end up burning out quickly because we are not taking the time to be with the Lord and to “listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

How important it is that we spend time in Jesus’ presence, immersing ourselves in his love and pondering his word in Scripture! And what better opportunity than today at Mass! It is here, where the Liturgy of the Word feeds into the Liturgy of the Eucharist, that you can hear God’s voice and behold his glory. His voice is veiled in the voice of the lectors and preacher, and his glory is veiled in the eucharistic bread and wine. But he is there, ready to fill you with everything you need. So ask him to open your eyes, and your heart will be changed!

“All praise and honor to you, Jesus! Come fill me with your presence. I want to see your face.”

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

1. The Church calls Abraham “Our Father in Faith.” Why? How would you compare your own faith to Abraham’s?

1. The responsorial psalm provides some of the reasons we can put our faith and hope in God. What are some of these reasons?

1. The responsorial psalm response also uses the words: “we place our trust in you”. On whom or on what do you rely most? How can you use this Lent to increase your “trust” in God?

1. In the second reading, St. Paul writes to Timothy to bear his “hardship for the gospel” and to do it “with the strength that comes from God.” Aside from ordinary practices of penance and mortification, when and how have you experienced “hardships” for the Gospel? Where did your strength come from to overcome them?

1. St. Paul goes on to say that “immortality” and “light” are ours through a gift from God through Christ; not “according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus.” In what ways can our additional practices of Lenten piety become “works” rather than graces? How can you use the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent to open yourself to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?

1. In the Gospel, Peter was so excited at seeing Christ’s glory that he wanted to build a monument and remain on the mountain. The Church also wants us to experience Christ’s presence, especially as we receive him in the Eucharist. What steps can you take to meet Christ in a deeper way during Mass?

1. In the meditation, we hear these words: “How important it is that we spend time in Jesus’ presence, immersing ourselves in his love and pondering his word in Scripture!” Are you willing to commit to spending time everyday in prayer during Lent “in Jesus’ presence” and ponder “his word in Scripture”? What impact do you expect this to have on your life?

 

[Fidelis]

In this map, you can see the location of Mt. Tabor, the traditional location of Jesus’ Transfiguration, southwest of the Sea of Galilee:

http://www.keyway.ca/gif/galilee.gif

And here is a photo of Mt. Tabor today. As you can see, it would have been quite a climb back in the day:

http://student-sites.net/xhtml_projects/LoriA/Images/MtTabor.jpg

 

[Fidelis]

And Every Round Goes Higher, Higher! – A Meditation on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent
By: Msgr. Charles Pope

The second Sunday of Lent always features the transfiguration. This is done in the first place because we are following the Lord on his final journey to Jerusalem and this journey up Mt Tabor was one of the stops Jesus himself made with Peter, James and John. It is commonly held that Jesus did this to prepare his apostles for the difficult days ahead. There’s a line from an old spiritual which says, Sometimes I up, sometimes I’m down, sometimes I’m almost on the ground……but see what the end shall be. And this is what the Lord is doing here: he is showing us what the end shall be. There is a cross to get through, but there is glory on the other side.

There also seems a purpose in placing this account here in that it helps describe the pattern of the Christian life which is the paschal mystery. For we are always dying and rising with Christ in repeated cycles as we journey to an eternal Easter (cf 2 Cor4:10). This Gospel shows forth the pattern of the cross, in the climb, and rising, in the glory of the mountaintop. Then it is back down the mountain again, only to climb another mountain, (Golgotha) and through it find another glory (Easter Sunday). Here is the pattern of the Christian life: the paschal mystery. Let’s look a little closer at the Gospel in three stages.

I. The Purpose of Trials. The text says – Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. Now we often pass over this fact, that they had to climb that mountain. And the climb was no easy task. Any one who has been to the sight of Tabor knows what high mountain it is. The climb was almost 2000 feet, high and steep. It may have taken the better part of a day and probably had its dangers. Once at the top it is like looking from an airplane window out on the Jezreel Valley (a.k.a. Megiddo or Armageddon).

So here is a symbol of the cross and of struggle. A climb was up the rough side of the mountain: exhausting, difficult, testing their strength.

I have it on the best of authority that as they climbed they were singing gospel songs:* I’m comin’ up on the rough side of the mountain, and I’m doin’ my best to carry on!* Another songs says, *My soul looks back and wonders how I got over! *Yet another says, We are climbing Jacob’s ladder, every round goes higher, higher.

Now, this climb reminds us of our life. For often we have had to climb, to endure and have our strength tested. Perhaps it was the climb of getting a college degree. Perhaps it was the climb of raising children, or building a career. What do you have that you really value that did not come at the price of a climb….of effort and struggle?

And most of us know that, though the climb is difficult, there is glory at the top is we but endure and push through. Life’s difficulties are often the prelude to success and greater strength.

Continued on the next post…

 

[Fidelis]

Though we might wish that life had no struggles, it would seem that the Lord intends the climb for us. For, the cross alone leads to true glory. Where would we be without some of the crosses in our life? Let’s ponder some of the Purposes of problems:

** 1. God uses problems to DIRECT us.** Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new directions and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? “Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways,” Proverbs 20:30 says: Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inner most being. Another old gospel song speaks of the need of suffering to keep us focused on God: Now the way may not be too easy. But you never said it would be. Cause when our way gets a little too easy, you know we tend to stray from thee. Sad but true, God sometimes needs to use problems to direct our steps to him.
** 2. God uses problems to INSPECT us.** People are like tea bags… if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? Our problems have a way of helping to see what we’re really made of. I have discovered many strengths I never knew I had through trials and testings. There is a test in every testimony and trials have a way of purifying and strengthening our faith as well as inspecting our faith to see whether it is really genuine. 1 Peter 1:6 says, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure.
** 3. God uses problems to CORRECT us.** Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something health, money, a relationship by losing it. Scripture says in Psalm 119:71-72 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees and also in Psalm 119:67 it says Before I was afflicted, I strayed. But now I keep your word.
** 4. God uses problems to PROTECT us.** A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. A man was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. Scripture says in Genesis 50:20 as Joseph speaks to his brothers You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
** 5. God uses problems to PERFECT us.** Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Romans 5:3 says We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. And 1 Peter 1:7 says You are being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

So here it is, the cross symbolized by the climb. But after the cross comes the glory. Let’s look at stage two:

Concluded on the next post…

 

[Fidelis]

II. The Productiveness of Trials. The text says,* And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”*

All the climbing has paid off. Now comes the fruit of all that hard work! The Lord gives them a glimpse of glory! They get to see the glory that Jesus has always had with the Father. He is dazzlingly bright. A similar vision from the book of Revelation gives us more detail:

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, …… His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Rev 1:12-17)

Yes, all the climbing has paid off. Now comes the glory, the life, the reward or endurance and struggle. Are you enjoying any the fruits of your crosses now? If we think about it, our crosses, if they were carried in faith have made us more confident, stronger. Some of us have discovered gifts, abilities and endurance we never knew we had. Our crosses have brought us life!

1. The other night I went over to the Church and played the pipe organ. It was most enjoyable and the fruit of years of hard work.
2. And not only have my own crosses brought me life, but the crosses of others have also blessed me and brought me life. See the trials do produce. Enjoy it!
3. St. Paul says, that *this momentary affliction is producing for us a weight of glory beyond all compare *(2 Cor 4:14). He also says For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Rom 8:18).
4. An old gospel song says, By and by, when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathered home, we’ll tell the story, of how we’ve overcome. And we’ll understand it better, by and by.

So then, here is the glory that comes after the climb. Here is the life that comes from the cross. Here is the paschal mystery: Always carrying about in our selves the dying of Christ so also that the life of Christ may be manifest in us (2 Cor 4:10).

**III. The Pattern of Trials – **The text says, Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Notice that, although Peter wanted to stay, Jesus makes it clear that they must go down the mountain for now and walk a very dark valley, to another hill, Golgotha. For now, the pattern must repeat. The cross has led to glory, but more crosses are needed before final glory. An old spiritual says, We are climbing Jacob’s ladder….every round goes higher, higher, soldiers of the cross!

This is our life. Always carrying within our self the dying of Christ so also that [the rising of Christ],* the life of Christ may be manifest in us* (cf 2 Cor 4:10).

There are difficult days ahead for Jesus and the apostles. But the crosses lead to a final and lasting glory. This is our life too. The paschal mystery, the pattern and rhythm of our life.

http://blog.adw.org/wp-content/uploads/transfiguration2a.jpg

 

[Fidelis]

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 13, 2006 (Zenit) - Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave Sunday before reciting the midday Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

"No One Lives ‘on Tabor’ While on Earth"

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Yesterday morning the week of spiritual exercises ended, which were preached here, in the Apostolic Palace, by the retired patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Marco Cé. They were days dedicated entirely to listening to the Lord, who always speaks to us, but who expects more attention from us, especially in the Lenten season.

Today’s Gospel passage also reminds us of this, when proposing the account of the transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. Astonished in the presence of the transfigured Lord, who was speaking with Moses and Elias, Peter, James and John were suddenly enveloped in a cloud from which a voice arose that proclaimed: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him” (Mark 9:7).

When one has the grace to sense a strong experience of God, it is as though seeing something similar to what the disciples experienced during the Transfiguration: For a moment they experienced ahead of time something that will constitute the happiness of paradise. In general, it is brief experiences that God grants on occasions, especially in anticipation of harsh trials. However, no one lives “on Tabor” while on earth.

Human existence is a journey of faith and, as such, goes forward more in darkness than in full light, with moments of obscurity and even profound darkness. While we are here, our relationship with God develops more with listening than with seeing; and even contemplation takes place, so to speak, with closed eyes, thanks to the interior light lit in us by the word of God.

The Virgin Mary herself, notwithstanding the fact that she was the human creature closest to God, walked day after day as though on a pilgrimage of faith (cf. “Lumen Gentium,” 58), keeping and meditating constantly in her heart the word that God addressed to her, whether through the sacred Scriptures or through events of the life of her son, in which she recognized and accepted the Lord’s mysterious voice.

This is, therefore, the gift and commitment for each one of us in the Lenten Season: To listen to Christ, like Mary. To listen to him in the word, preserved in sacred Scripture. To listen to him in the very events of our lives, trying to read in them the messages of providence. To listen to him, finally, in our brothers, especially in the little ones and the poor, for whom Jesus himself asked our concrete love. To listen to Christ and to obey his voice. This is the only way that leads to joy and love…

God the Father instructs us to listen to Jesus, his beloved Son. Let us pray that our Lenten journey will open our hearts to Christ and his saving message! He leads us through his suffering and death, to a share in his glorious resurrection. Upon all of you I invoke God’s abundant blessings and wish you a good Sunday!

 

[Fidelis]

From the Catena Aurea - The Golden Chain Of St. Thomas Aquinas

Matthew 17

(The Golden Chain is a commentary on of the Gospels by the Early Church Fathers compiled together.)

http://home.catholicweb.com/trc/images//Transfiguration_Raphael_2.jpg?dtNow=36

 

[kelvinf]

A meditation on the Gospel from the Daily Scripture Reading & Meditation website:

It was mentioned here “…Elijah, the greatest of the prophets…”
I thought John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets? Ok, Jesus actually said the greatest man born of a women. But since he was the last prophet, I thought the greatest of the prophets should refer to him. Or better still, Elijah, the greatest of the OT prophets