2nd Sunday of Lent
My dear friends in Christ, I welcome you to the Second Sunday of Lent. The Church in her wisdom presents to us a deep teaching from the obedience of Abram, a share in the suffering of the Gospel and, most importantly, the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor.
The first reading places before us the ancient drama of faith: a faith that was not seeking a miracle, but was enveloped in obedience. It sounds striking that no map or destination was given to Abram, no detailed itinerary, only a promise: "I WILL MAKE YOU A GREAT NATION." His journey was one that began in darkness but ended in blessing. The life of Abram was characterised by TRUST and OBEDIENCE. He was able to listen to the voice of God and obey it. Little wonder, every unique Lenten journey must begin with what Abram did: he listened to God. The season of Lent without doubt demands the same prompt response of faith. Abram left everything—his kindred, his father's house, his lands—to where God wanted him to be. This is practical for us Christians: for another fruitful Lent this year, we must equally learn to leave whatever holds us back from following him toward the Cross.
THE DIVINE CONNECTION
The response of Abram in the first reading, prompted by faith and docility to listen to God, is seen in the Gospel; at the Transfiguration the Father again invites us to listen to the Son. This time He is speaking through His Son. He wants us to listen to Him as He calls us out of sin, out of doubt, out of complacency, and out of fear.
Naturally, the ear catches the faintest whisper of wind through trees, sounds, and callings, but this ear can also be blocked by wax, by clamour, and by willful neglect; such that the sweetest melody can go unheard. So it is with the ear of the SOUL, that inner faculty through which we hear the gentle calling of God. Pitiably, many Christians walk through life with that spiritual ear closed tight, not by accident, but by choices that slowly and insidiously seal it shut. Today, it is blocked by the deafening roar of the world, the pride of self-sufficiency, unrepented sin, the love of creatures above the Creator, and much more. But our Lord Jesus can still open it, if only we seek Him and humble ourselves before Him.
Furthermore, the Gospel records that the Transfiguration did not happen on level ground, but on a mountain. Why a mountain?
THE MOUNTAIN
Mountain stands for three (3) profound realities that speak directly to our life as Christians:
It is:
A place of Prayer
A place of Battle
A place of Encounter
As a place of PRAYER, Jesus would always withdraw himself to the mountains to pray (Lk 6:12; Mk 6:46).
As a place of Battle, we see Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal in a dramatic showdown in 1 Kings 18.
As a place of Encounter, we see Moses at Mount Sinai, Elijah at Mount Horeb, and today's Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.
Connectively, Jesus led his three disciples today to the mountain for PRAYER, where they had an ENCOUNTER so that, with the encounter, it might strengthen them for the BATTLE ahead (the cross in Jerusalem).
Lastly, the Transfiguration we saw today is more than a display of divine glory; it is a clarion call that we too must be transfigured. This begins from within: an inner transformation of heart. A transfigured heart becomes compassionate, humble, generous; it radiates God's love, is patient, honest at work, and shows kindness to strangers.
To this end, I therefore invite you to make this prayer today: "LORD, TRANSFIGURE MY HEART." When this prayer is answered, you will become a shining star and a light in our world, which is wrecked with darkness; for only transfigured hearts can birth forth light. The Transfiguration was not a private show; it was shared to prepare witnesses. In your own valley of office, in the neighbourhood, amid daily routines, let others see Christ's love through you. Are you ready to be transfigured? May the God who transfigured His Son transfigure our hearts and lead us to Easter joy. Amen.
FR. ONYILIONWU JESUS PRAYS FOR YOU