Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this second Sunday of Lent, we reflect on the Transfiguration of our Lord taken from the gospel of Mark chapter 9 from verse 2 to verse 8. According to Mark, six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain and in their presence was transfigured. His clothes became brightly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them and then two great men who played significant roles in their national life appeared with him namely Moses and Elijah and both were having a conversation with Jesus.

Apparently, the disciples recognized the two men with Jesus and out of fear Peter suggested to the Lord, “Rabbi, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5). Shortly after that, a cloud came covering them in shadow and from the cloud a voice was heard saying to them, “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him” (Mark 9:7). After that, they saw no one else except Jesus and as they left the scene, the Lord warned them to tell no one what they had seen and heard, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 

Back to the beginning of this story, Mark tells us that six days later Mark 9:2, meaning six days after the Lord revealed to them his fate and mission, which was a bitter pill for them to swallow. Peter took him aside and tried to rebuke him. Our Lord did not waste time in calling him to order, “Get behind me, Satan! You are thinking not as God thinks, but as human beings do (Mark 8:33). Our Lord knows that this is the mission God the Father wants to accomplish through him for the salvation of the world. It is a divine mandate that must be accomplished which Peter was not aware of. 

The Transfiguration was a way of telling the three disciples that even though the project is rugged and precarious, God is still with his Son. Similarly, as Christ’s ambassadors, we carry with us different responsibilities for God for the salvation of our families, friends and communities. God does not take leave of his children when the road is rough and tough, He is always with us.  It is important to be convinced of what we do for God and have our reason ready should anyone cares to know. Our life is meaningful and should help others to know God through Christ who lives in us. 

Have a great celebration. Fr Vincent Nnatuanya, CSSp