HOMILY: Second Sunday of Lent (A)
Matthew 17:1-9
5 March 2023
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
We are persons of habit. When we like something or have a habit of doing something, we will choose it or do it over and over again. We eat the same food, watch the same TV shows, go to the same barber for haircut, etc. When we are comfortable and are set in our ways, we are not too keen on making changes even if it is for our own good. A smoker for thirty years will not find it easy to quit the habit. Those who are used to taking coffee first thing in the morning are cranky if they must go without their usual cup. We resist and refuse to succumb to what is unfamiliar, uncomfortable and possibly difficult. We do not want to be inconvenienced.
In the gospel reading for this Second Sunday of Lent, we hear of the Transfiguration. Peter, James and John caught sight of the true glory of Jesus. Peter’s reaction was a bit strange. He was in awe of Christ. This is the image of the saviour he has been looking and waiting for, not the ordinary person they meet every day who is oppressed and despised by the authorities. “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here…” (Matthew 17:4) While Peter is eager to stay and get settled, the implied message of Jesus’ transfiguration is actually a challenge to those who follow Him. If we are to partake in Jesus’ glory, we cannot simply stay where it is safe. We cannot stay where we are always winners, where we are always at peace and where we are always the hero, especially if those around us are suffering and falling into error and evil.
In the passage from the Book of Genesis, we are told of how God’s call demanded a radical change from Abraham. He left the security of his home to travel to another which was completely foreign to him. He had to leave behind what he knew and loved and journeyed into an unknown future. Because Abraham listened to God and believed in His promises, he was greatly blessed throughout the days of his life.
Similarly, we cannot simply sit back, stay put and be content with the status quo. The one who truly listens to Jesus’ words… the one who takes heed of Jesus’ teachings cannot just stay and remain the same. We who have been blessed to come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with him are akin to those who have ascended the mountain and encountered God. But we should not simply stop there. We must come down the mountain to share with others what was learned from Jesus! We have to live out the demands of that Holy Voice that directs and leads us where to go and what to do. This is how we can witness to others the truth that Jesus lives and that He is the only true path to eternal life.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is meant to encourage us to have hope and to look forward to our own transformation. We all have hope to change for the better even those whom we think are beyond redemption. It will not be easy. We may even have to pay dearly and sacrifice much as followers of Christ. There will be many challenges but we need to be strong. In the Second Reading, St. Paul encourages Timothy, “Bear your share of the hardship for the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:8) He also gives assurance that God will provide him the strength that is needed to carry out what God wills — not only for Timothy but for us all. Again, it will not be easy but the outcome will be our spiritual growth and maturity. As disciples of Christ, let us trust in Him and persevere. Let us keep the hope alive that one day, we may share in the glory of Jesus in Heaven.
Sunday Gospel Reflections 