Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings

“This Is My Chosen Son; Listen To Him”

As our Lenten journey continues, we look at the key events in salvation history as well as the key events in Jesus’ life and ministry. In our readings this Sunday, we look at two manifestations of our awesome God - the sacred covenant God formed with Abraham and the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor.

In our first reading (Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18), we hear of Abram's (later renamed Abraham) encounter with God as God promised him countless descendants and also gave him the Promised Land. God and Abram enter into a sacred covenant using an ancient covenantal ritual to establish an unbreakable bond. Much like the disciples in our Gospel reading, Abram was enveloped in a "deep, terrifying darkness". In his act of believing the word of God, Abram, at that moment, became our father in faith.

In our Epistle reading (Philippians 3:17 - 4:1), Saint Paul encourages us to follow the example he and others have set for us, unlike those who “conduct themselves as enemies of the cross.” Standing firm in the Lord, we are no longer mere earthly beings but citizens of heaven as we “await our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” At that time, Jesus will “change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body".

In our Gospel reading (Luke 9:28-36) we hear the awesome story of the Transfiguration. Jesus led His chosen three disciples up the mountain and was transfigured before their eyes as He revealed His glory. They "became frightened" at the sight but then wanted to build three tents and savor the moment. There is rich symbolism in this experience, as Moses and Elijah are said to have represented the Law (Torah) and the Prophets of Israel. They discussed Jesus’ “exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem”, thus connecting all of Jewish salvation history to the final exodus of freedom from sin and death through the cross and resurrection.

Many of us have had some encounter with God that has left us filled with awe and wonder. While we may want to savor the moment, we know we have to come down from the mountain, as did the Apostles from the transfiguration, and go about living our daily lives, just differently.