by Patric Razafimahafaly, SJ
We are already in the second week of Lent, so my reflection will be on the Gospel reading for the second Sunday of Lent: the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mk 9: 2-10). In this pericope taken from the Gospel of Mark, we get an indication of the Glory of God when the three disciples, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Jesus’ face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets. Most of all, God the Father also addressed Jesus: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” That was the scenario of Jesus’ Transfiguration. What does Christ’s Transfiguration hold for us today as we journey through the Lenten season?
In Latin, trans means “change” and figura means “face.” Etymologically, transfiguration means “change of face.” However, it is not just a general change but rather a positive change or even a spiritual change. In fact, it is a change from bad to good, from good to better, and from better to excellent. For us who are familiar with Ignatian Spirituality, we may refer to what we call magis. In addition, the word figura points to something much more interior, such as attitudes, values, the very being of the person. Considering all of these elements, the meaning of change has more interior aspects. That is why I chose “transformation” as the closest synonym of “transfiguration” because the verb “transform” has a connotation of interior change.
Therefore, the significance of the Lord’s Transfiguration in the Gospel is an invitation to all of us to transform. We, and all people of goodwill, are all called to an interior transformation, which is a call to true conversion and true repentance. That is the goal of Lent. So, today, how do we answer this invitation in order to make more sense out of Lent, especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic?
First, we must acknowledge before God that we are all sinners, we all have our weaknesses, as Pope Francis acknowledged this reality: “Who am I to judge?” “I am a sinner.” Second, we must be open to being transformed by our faith in God and by divine grace. Third and lastly, we must acknowledge that true transformation is in and with God who was able to bring Christ into Resurrection as the perfect meaning of transfiguration.
Dear friends, as we enter into the heart of the Lenten season 2021, let us take some time to reflect on how the Lord is calling us into true transformation and ask ourselves what is keeping us from being open to the true love of Christ which will transfigure us spiritually if we only let it?
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