Second Sunday of Lent: The Transfiguration – Listen to HimScripture
Readings (from the Roman Missal)
First Reading:
Genesis 12:1-4a
The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation… All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Abram went as the LORD directed him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
The word of the LORD is faithful, and all his works to be trusted… Our soul is waiting for the LORD. He is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O LORD, as we place all our hope in you.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-10
Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength of God… He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design… through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus.
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light… A bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”
Reflection
On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church lifts our eyes from the desert of penance to the mountaintop of glory. Just as Abram trusted God’s call to leave everything behind and journey into the unknown, we are called during Lent to let go—of comforts, sins, fears—and follow where the Lord leads. The Transfiguration is God’s gift to sustain us: a glimpse of Jesus’ divine splendor amid the coming Passion. Peter, James, and John see the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) bearing witness to Christ, and hear the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.”
Lent is not endless darkness; it’s illuminated by this promise of Easter glory. When we feel weary from fasting, prayer, or almsgiving, or when the Cross feels heavy, remember the Transfiguration: Jesus shines for us, the Father affirms Him, and we are invited to listen deeply to His word.
“Rise, and do not be afraid” Listen to Him in Scripture, in silent prayer, in the quiet promptings of the Spirit. Let this vision strengthen your resolve to journey with Christ through Lent to the Resurrection.
Prayer for the Second Sunday of Lent
(Adapted from the Collect of the Day)
O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory. Father of light and mercy,
as You revealed the glory of Your Son on the holy mountain,
grant us the grace this Lent to listen attentively to Jesus in our daily lives.
Help us to trust Your call like Abram, to bear hardship for the Gospel like Paul,
and to rise from fear like the disciples at Your touch. Purify our hearts through prayer, fasting, and charity,
so that we may follow Christ faithfully to Calvary and beyond to Easter joy.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who pondered Your word in her heart,
and all the saints who listened and followed,
we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Small Act for Today (especially on this Sunday)
- Attend Sunday Mass with renewed attention to the Gospel of the Transfiguration.
- Spend 10-15 minutes in silent adoration or prayer, asking: “Lord, what are You saying to me today? Help me listen.”
- Perform an act of kindness or forgiveness, remembering that the Father’s love shown in Christ is meant to shine through us to others.
- If possible, light a candle at home and read the Transfiguration account slowly, imagining yourself on the mountain.
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