SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C
17th March 2019.
Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36.
The glory revealed on the mountain of transfiguration is further proof of the authenticity of the kingdom of God. The voice from the cloud affirmed that Jesus is the Christ, the beloved of God. “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” The single mission of establishing a kingdom for the salvation of humanity is revealed on the mountain as featuring the prophets of old and the commandments of Yahweh. Jesus Christ all the time emphasized that he did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Moses and Elijah discoursed the glory that will be accomplished in Jerusalem. 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.
The reality of this glory thus revealed, did not elude the apostles who felt that it would be better to remain on the mountain. Thy have had their fore taste of the kingdom of God. Their testimony is valid.
The transformation of Jesus Christ during the transfiguration depicts the sort that awaits one who welcomes the kingdom of God in his or her heart. It is from the inside out. The second reading affirmed this transfiguration; He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. The transfiguration can only take place within the kingdom of God, hence the call to embrace it.
Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.
