As we move into the second week of Lent, we are presented with the moment of the Transfiguration of Jesus up the Mountain, a foretaste of the post-resurrection glory that awaits all who follow Jesus. Elijah and Moses are there representing the Prophets, the Law and the inner core of the Apostles, Peter, James and John. God speaks a similar but different salutation than that of the Baptism in the Jordan. “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. When the disciples look up, Jesus gives them another foretaste of the post-resurrection, the great message of Easter: “Rise, and do not be afraid”.
So perhaps we could spend some more time with our reading of sacred scripture. Since this year in Ordinary Time we are following Matthew’s Gospel, perhaps we could read it through Lent, so that when Ordinary Time comes after the Lent-Easter-Pentecost cycle, we can have a clearer appreciation of the portrait of Jesus as the messianic fulfiller of the Jewish law and prophecies that Matthew gives us. Listen to the Word in scripture and reflect upon the glory that is our destiny if we but just follow Christ’s message of Loving fearlessly.
God bless you and your families and may you persevere with your Lenten observances. Don’t forget the extra opportunities to go to Mass on weekdays at 5.30 pm (in Spanish on Fridays) and to make the Stations of the Cross either privately or at 7.30 pm on Friday evenings.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter