The gospel writers were aware of the significance of a mountain, with its connotations of struggle, achievement, and revelation. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Transfiguration of Jesus could have no better setting than to take place on a mountain — either Mt. Tabor or Mt. Hermon, according to tradition. On that mountain, which took a bit of an effort to walk or climb, the disciples received a glimpse of the glorified and resurrected Jesus. He was in conversation with Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets), and this reinforced Jesus as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Indeed, Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. Here’s an excerpt from today’s Gospel of Luke:
Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him: Moses and Elijah.
Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Put yourself in the disciples' shoes. How would you react to a vision of the glorified Jesus? Peter seems to be so overcome by the experience that he starts babbling off at the mouth. The Gospel then relates that Peter "did not know what he was saying." Frankly, if I were to personally see Jesus hanging out with Moses and Elijah, I'd be at a loss for words, too!
Last week, we established that Lent is our time to walk with Jesus toward his passion, death and resurrection. We walk with the Holy Spirit and the Word of sacred scripture. This week, we climb with Jesus to the mountaintop, hoping to find further direction about our Lenten journey. Along the way, we might end up talking too much and not realizing all the non-essential stuff we're spouting out. It's time for us to be quiet! God is trying to get a word in edgewise: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.’
In our prayer, do we monopolize our conversation with God by doing all the talking? Prayer has been likened to the challenge of climbing a mountain. It is difficult, and there are many distractions that may force us to turn back and try something easier. Our Lenten journey is a journey into deep prayer. Listen to Jesus! That's the basic message of the Second Sunday of Lent.
2nd Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon Of You My Heart Has Spoken: Seek His Face [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #68
This text of Option 1 has such resonance with the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Entrance Chant Christ in Me Arise (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #278; Breaking Bread #503
This is a thoughtful song for Lent. Notice the first verse, with its Transfiguration overtones: “Be now my vision; open these eyes, showing me all that I must see.”
Responsorial Psalm The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation (Cooper Ray)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 111
Cooper’s verbatim setting of Psalm 27 invites us to reflect on the Lord as our light.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Praise and Honor: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 116
The Acclamation verse always points us toward the teaching of today’s Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Lead Us to the Cross (Chris Muglia)
Our journey with Jesus to the mountaintop of Lent is a journey to his Cross. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
2nd Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon This Is My Beloved Son, with Whom I Am Well Pleased (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #70
This Communion Antiphon circles us back to the central message of today’s Gospel.
Communion Chant What a Beautiful Name (Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood)
Spirit & Song #333; Never Too Young #27; Breaking Bread #565
This beloved contemporary Christian song sings of Jesus’ glory, as implied in the Transfiguration story. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Sending Forth Lead Me, Lord (John D. Becker)
Spirit & Song #221; Never Too Young #19; Breaking Bread #725
John Becker’s classic song sends us forth from this Eucharist to follow Jesus as the light of truth.
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