March 12, 2017 — Second Sunday of Lent
GN 12: 1-4A; PS 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22; 2 TM 1: 8B-10; MT 17: 1-9
Our Gospel Reading on this Second Sunday of Lent recounts the Transfiguration as reported by Matthew. All three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) give an account of this. St. Thomas Aquinas called the Transfiguration Jesus’ “greatest miracle” in part because it is a miracle performed on Jesus Himself.
Jesus was transfigured in the presence of three of His Apostles: Peter, James, and John. To be “transfigured” implies that the Lord was completely transformed, not just in how He appeared but absolutely, inwardly as well. Jesus became so dazzlingly bright that it was difficult to look on Him. It was like looking directly at the sun.
During our time in Lent, we are called to a type of transformation, as well. In our cases it is more inward than outer. God asks us to try to seek conversion of mind and heart. Yet, only God can truly cause this type of conversion; however, we must be open to it for it to occur.
Stewardship is closely associated with conversion. People who give of themselves to build the Kingdom of God are disciples of the Lord. To be a disciple, we must follow Jesus’ example and teachings. His way of life literally becomes our way of life. For that to happen we must be transformed. That transformation can present challenges, but it also offers extreme joy. Stewardship challenges us to make conscientious decisions about our lives. Stewardship calls each of us to account for what God has given us, not only for the sake of knowing how much we have and how God has blessed us, but also to know how much God is calling us to share what He has given us with others.
