Transfiguration by Cornelis Monsma,
used with permission; click on image for larger version
This weekend is the Second Sunday of Lent, on which Sunday every year the gospel is an account of the Transfiguration.
The scriptures for this weekend and commentary on them can be found here. Bringing children to Mass with you? Check here for hints on helping youngsters prepare to hear the Word.
The first lesson is from the Book of Genesis and describes a strange, ancient rite in which two parties walk between the halved carcasses of slaughtered animals, signifying each party's willingness to suffer the fate of the butchered animals should either default on their promise.
The second lesson, from Philippians, describes the transformation that should take place in each of us when we live in Christ. The language here is strong but keep in mind that St. Paul is writing from prison and understands that he may be put to death for the faith - read the last lines of this passage in that context!
The gospel is the Lucan account of the Transfiguration of Jesus in the company of Peter, John and James and Moses and Elijah who appear to them on the mountain top. In Luke, this scene takes place between two predictions of Jesus' suffering and death, indicating that the nature of true discipleship is a willingness to exchange glory for sacrificial suffering. The scene ends with a comforting voice from the heavens saying, "This is my chosen Son, listen to him."
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