Lent is a best time for my Transfiguration/Change

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 9:2-10*

*First Reading -  Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18*

*Second Reading - Rom 8:31b-34*

*Lent is a best time for my Transfiguration/Change*

*1) Transfiguration or change is the main theme of Lent*

We start lent with this theme. 

All our spiritual exercises and other bodily penance is geared to only one aspect in life - that is conversion, change or transfiguration.

If so what would be the way to have a genuine change and transfiguration. 

Today's Gospel will give us some ideas. 

*2) Some of the Important things which are highlighted in the transfiguration scene*

*A) Transfiguration took place while Jesus was praying*

*While Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white*

Important to note that, transfiguration took place while he was praying. 

So prayer has to power to bring a change

Prayer is a weapon for change 

Prayer is an instrument through which we can bring change. 

Lent is a special time of prayer. We can use this instrument to bring a great change in our lives 

*B) The place of Prayer*

Gospel says they went up to a mountain to pray 

In Christian tradition there is a close connection between God and mountain. 

It becomes a place of Gods appearance and God's presence 

God appeared Mosses at mount Sinai and gave 10 commandments

Prophet Elijah and the Mount Carmel where the great sacrifice took place and prophets of Baal were destroyed

Sermon on the Mount by Jesus one of the important teachings of Jesus comes from mountain

Jesus died on mount Calvary.

Transfiguration took place in mount Tabor 

So place of prayer the mount is very important in our life 

In our life, the church, holy places, pilgrim centers, shrines are the important places of mountains where we can pray 

Pray earnestly in mount to have a real transfiguration or change in life 

*C) Change has the power to bring down the heaven*

In the transfiguration scene we have the appearance of Mosses and Elijah. 

Their coming down to the mountain or their appearance in the mountain is equal to the heavenly scene in the mountain

So we can say that transfiguration brought down the heaven 

And Peter experienced this heavenly experience and he didn't want to come out of it. 

Change in my life will ultimately result in bringing heaven first of all in my own life then in my family and in surroundings. 

So change is very powerful to bring even the heaven into this world.

*D) The Voice from Heaven - You are my beloved Son*

When this voice was heard? Not before transfiguration, but after the transfiguration.

Point to be noted : After transfiguration and having heavenly experience the great divine voice is heard 

In our life too, only after  a genuine change or conversion will help us to have heavenly experience, in which we will be able to hear this great voice from God

Who does not want to be called as beloved son or daughter of God? Every one wants. 

So here is a way for it 

So are u ready for the transfiguration or change or conversion in your life? 

Think about it 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear  ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*