As we continue this forty-day journey through Lent, we do not want to lose sight of what the future holds—for Jesus in the Gospel and for us in our own lives. Jesus will suffer greatly and will be put to death and laid in a tomb. But on the third day he will be raised and will ascend to the Father in glory, opening the way to eternal life for us all. We mark this season with prayer and fasting, almsgiving and repentance, knowing that our destiny lies in eternal life with the Lord. Let us worship him, for he has transformed our destiny.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Peter, James, and John—Jesus’ closest disciples—receive a remarkable gift in today’s Gospel: seeing the Lord transfigured before their eyes. We are given a remarkable gift today and every day we come to Mass. We see our simple gifts of bread and wine transfigured into the Body and Blood of the Lord. As we listen to God’s word, let us not forget the miracle we witness every Sunday.
Reflections
God speaks from the cloud at the Transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Those last three words were given to his disciples as a command then, and they are given to us as well, for we too are his disciples. Are we listening to Jesus today? Are we making the effort to listen for Jesus’ voice during this holy season? Whether we look inside ourselves or out into the world, we can see plenty of things that could be done, plenty of things that we should do, plenty of things that Jesus is asking us to do.
Just before this scene, Jesus had told his disciples that he will be persecuted by the authorities and put to death. Peter had immediately rebuked him, to which Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! . . . You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23). Significantly, Peter is one of the three who now hear God say about Jesus, “Listen to him.” It’s almost as if God is saying: My Son is telling you the truth. You better listen! You need to understand this!
After confronting Peter’s rebuke, Jesus speaks to the other disciples, telling them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny [themselves], take up [their] cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). God affirms this statement in commanding Peter, James, and John to listen to Jesus. This command is addressed to us as well. If we are to come after Jesus, if we are to be raised to eternal life with him, we must deny our own desires, take up our crosses, and follow him.
Question of the Week
What crosses have I found difficult to carry or been unwilling to carry? What crosses have I not even thought to carry, but my taking them up could ease the burden for someone close to me or someone else in need? What cross can I carry that will transfigure my life this Lent?
-from Pastoral Patterns
readings of the mass
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Offerings
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