The Nazareth Page  - A gospel meditation for your home

March 16, 2025 – Second Sunday of Lent, Luke 9:28-36

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
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Most of us have enjoyed some really good days, but also days that are not so good. And days that are both. At least that’s how we think about them. Today’s gospel describes a time when three of the disciples of Jesus, Peter, James and John, were invited by Jesus to join him in a mountain climb. For “a good time” where they would learn more about Jesus,

This gospel is familiar to most, especially since it contains a rather dramatic moment. Commonly called the Transfiguration, it is one of those gospels that causes many, myself included, to wonder, what is this about?

In the Bible, mountain tops are often settings when important events take place. Most might recall the time when Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Last Sunday we read about the tempter bringing Jesus to a mountain top to tempt him. Today we are invited to witness the scene where Jesus took three of his closest disciples to join him atop a mountain.

Once there, things started to change. First, two of the primary persons of their religious history appear, Moses and Elijah. The face and clothing of Jesus also changes, making him “different” and more magnificent. A cloud descends and the three disciples hear words telling them to listen to Jesus. Jesus is given a kind of divine “seal of approval.” The disciples are both overwhelmed and inspired. They want to keep this scene going without an end. They suggest building a more permanent setting. Jesus rejects their suggestion and soon the whole scene returns to its original state. He tells them that it is time “to return to earth.”      

Later on, those closest to Jesus, his mom, his friends and many others will have to face what may appear as a defeat of Jesus and his mission. Jesus will be arrested, falsely judged, humiliated, tortured and eventually crucified as a common criminal. These events will test the resiliency of those close to him. Perhaps their experience of Jesus on that mountain will help them survive moments of doubt and uncertainty.

As the days of Lent resolve themselves into accounts of his suffering and death, we are also invited to recall his resurrection and ascension. All this reminds us that authentic Christian faith is rarely a simple matter. As noted above, we are blessed with good days and some that are not. We experience our lives as mixed blessings. As God so willed.

David M. Thomas, PhD