Fullness Of His Love


Gospel Reflection

Second Sunday of Lent
12 March 2019
Click here for the Readings and the Gospel (Tagalog). 

(This post was originally published as a Gospel Reflection on 24 February 2013)


The Transfiguration of Jesus gives an insight on the happiness and glories that will be given to the faithful in the afterlife. It's a moment of excitement, of fear and of joy for the three Apostles who accompanied Jesus before His sudden arrest at Gethsemane that eventually lead to His death in the cross.

Jesus was seen by the Apostles speaking with two prominent figures in the history of Israel. One of them is Moses who received God's Commandments in Mount Sinai and is the author of the Pentateuch-- the first five books of the Old Testament. The other one is Elijah, a prophet and was prophesied to be the Messiah's precursor-- the one who will prepare the way of the Lord.
 

A voice from the cloud is heard after Peter's suggestion that together with the other two apostles, they will prepare three tabernacles-- one for Jesus, one for Moses and another one for Elijah, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (Luke 9:35)

We could read in the Gospel of Luke that before they went up to that mountain to pray, Peter professed that Jesus is the Christ of God (Luke 9:18-21). The Lord's transfiguration and the Voice they heard gave a new light and a new meaning to this remark. He is truly the Messiah-- the Son of God-- whom the Jewish people has been waiting for a very long time.

But why do the three Apostles have to witness the transfiguration? The answer is obvious, the above mentioned miracle was meant to firm up the faith of the three apostles that their teacher and master, Jesus, was the Messiah and Son of God, whom the Israelites believed will sever their bondage with then Imperial Rome.


In other words, this event together with everything that Jesus has said and done is not for Himself but for the apostles and for those who will believe in their message after they receive the Holy Spirit.

"For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." (John 17:19-20)

Jesus gives us His selfless love. The apostles in our gospel have only experienced a brief moment of the fullness of this love. Jesus' life, death and ressurection is a narration of love. Of God's love to humanity who chose darkness over the embrace of the light of His love (John 3:19).
 

Let's stay in Jesus' love. Let's give love back to the Word who dwelt among us, to Him who loved us even though we are sinners. While we are still in this world, let's cherish Jesus' transfiguration by relishing His love that manifests in our daily life, especially this Lenten Season.

Let's heighten our senses to feel His love while reflecting on His passion. Together with our family, let's join in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and other activities in line with the Lenten Season. Deepen our personal relationship with God through our prayer life, sacrifices and fasting.

May Jesus' transfiguration completely change our lives. In His love and in His Name, things may not be as easy but all things are possible. All things are possible!
 

Prayer:

O God our Father, You who acknowledged Jesus as your Son and Chosen, behold your adopted children who come to You through Him. We adore, glorify and praise You for Your everlasting kindness.

You let the Apostles experience the fullness of Jesus' love. May we also feel and stay in His glory and love. Send us the Holy Spirit for us to know that we are not alone in the midst of trials and temptations.

We know that following Jesus' footsteps is not easy. May Your Spirit guide us on carrying our crosses, full of hope and love for You and for our neighbors. May this Lent be meaningful for us and our families.

We declare that You are our only God-- You who chose Jesus. In Him together with the Holy Spirit, allow us to stay in His glory and love during this season and through the remaining days in our lives. Amen. 

(Edited by: Priam Nepomuceno)


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