The Glory Yet to Come

Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 15: 5–12, 17–18 / Psalm 27:1a / Philippians 3: 17 — 4:1 or 3:20 — 4:1 / Luke 9:28b–36

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Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

God’s promises are not empty words carried off by the wind soon after they are uttered. From the beginning, God has backed up divine promises with action. We see this today in the story of God sealing the promise to Abraham of many descendants and the gift of the land with the mystifying occurrence of a floating fire pot and flaming torch passing through Abraham’s sacrifice. God’s words lead to a ratifying action.

In the Gospel, God comes to Jesus. At first, this is made evident in the change of Jesus’ face and clothing. Then the great prophets Moses and Elijah appear, mediators of God’s word to the people through both the Torah and prophetic deeds, who speak with Jesus about his coming death in Jerusalem. Finally, as with Israel in the desert, God manifests the divine presence, coming in a cloud and proclaiming Jesus as “chosen Son.” “Listen to him,” the voice says. Divine word is backed up by divine deed.

This yearly glimpse of glory in the story of the Transfiguration tells us yet again that God recognizes our need for signs and support in our journey of faith. Walking in faith is not all shadows and darkness. Light comes into our lives, sometimes in such unexpected ways that we only become aware of it in retrospect. These moments whisper of God’s ongoing presence with us, of promises yet to be fulfilled. Paul speaks of our citizenship even now being in heaven, calling us to “stand firm in the Lord.”

Consider/Discuss

Can you remember a moment when the promise of our faith was affirmed by a gracious event, enabling you to recognize God’s presence?
Do you believe that our citizenship is in heaven and that our bodies are destined to being conformed to Christ’s glorified body?

Responding to the Word

Lord, enlighten the eyes of our hearts, providing a glimpse of the glory promised us because of your saving death and resurrection. As we move toward renewing the promises made at baptism, make our hearts ever more confident in the Father’s fidelity and the ongoing strength that comes from the Spirit.