Theme: Transfiguration
By Burnett Munthali
The 2nd Sunday of Lent, falling on 16th March, 2025, is an opportunity for Catholics worldwide to reflect deeply on the theme of Transfiguration, an event that holds profound spiritual significance.
The readings for this Sunday invite us to delve into the mystery of transformation—spiritual and physical—and offer a unique lens through which to view the journey of Lent.
This reflection, centered on the Transfiguration of Jesus, is not only a pivotal moment in the Gospels but also a preparation for the Easter celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Summary of the readings
In the First Reading (Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18), we witness God’s covenant with Abram.
God speaks directly to Abram, assuring him of a future, despite the apparent barrenness and struggles he faces.
This covenant is a promise of blessings, descendants, and the land that Abram will inherit.
God’s reassurance forms a foundation for Abram’s faith, as he believes the promise of God, and through his faith, a transformative relationship between God and His people is established.
The second reading (Philippians 3:17—4:1) offers a message of hope and perseverance.
Paul encourages the Philippians to follow his example and the example of others who are living faithfully.
He acknowledges that while earthly life may bring suffering, God’s ultimate transformation will turn our humiliation into glory.
The promise of resurrection and eternal life is central to this reading, giving believers hope to endure and remain steadfast in their faith.
Paul exhorts the faithful to stand firm in the Lord, knowing that their trials are not the end, but a prelude to glory.
In the Gospel (Luke 9:28–36), the Transfiguration of Jesus takes place on a mountaintop, witnessed by Peter, James, and John.
As Jesus prays, His appearance changes, His face becomes dazzling, and His clothes become as bright as a flash of lightning.
Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus about His upcoming departure, which He is about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.
The voice of God from a cloud proclaims, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him!”
This event provides a glimpse of the glory of Jesus that will be fully revealed in His Resurrection, strengthening the disciples’ faith for the trials to come.
Theological Significance of the Transfiguration
The event of the Transfiguration is rich in theological meaning.
Jesus, in His transfigured state, reveals a foretaste of the glory that will be revealed in His Resurrection.
This moment offers the disciples, and by extension, all believers, a glimpse of the divine nature of Christ.
The Transfiguration acts as a bridge between the suffering that Christ will endure in His Passion and the triumphant glory of His Resurrection.
It is a moment of divine revelation, showing the disciples the truth of who Jesus is—the Son of God, fully divine and fully human.
The Transfiguration also affirms the continuity between the Old Testament and the New.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus highlights that Christ fulfills the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah).
This moment underscores Jesus’ role in salvation history as the fulfillment of all that had been promised by God in the Old Testament.
The presence of these two figures strengthens the disciples’ understanding that Jesus is the culmination of God’s work in the world.
Moreover, the Transfiguration is a transformative moment for the disciples.
Although they do not fully comprehend the significance of what they have witnessed, it prepares them for the coming trials.
They are allowed to see Jesus in His glory, but they are also instructed to keep this experience to themselves until after the Resurrection.
This suggests that understanding comes gradually, and the full significance of Jesus’ glory can only be understood in the light of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Role of Guidance and Transformation in the Life of Believers
The theme of guidance is significant, not just in the Transfiguration story, but in the context of the current political climate in Malawi.
The Bishops, as spiritual guides, have consistently provided direction to the faithful in the political realm, emphasizing the importance of making well-informed, prayerful choices during elections.
The Catholic Church’s role as a guide in moments of national crisis or decision-making mirrors Jesus’ role as a guide to His disciples during His earthly ministry.
Just as the disciples relied on Jesus for understanding and hope, Malawians are urged to rely on the wisdom of their spiritual leaders as they approach the September Tripartite elections.
In this context, the bishops have called on believers to be proactive in the electoral process.
Just as Abram in the first reading placed his trust in God’s promise, Malawians are encouraged to place their trust in God’s guidance as they prepare to vote.
The call to “register, keep your voting slip safe, and maintain the secrecy of your vote” is a reminder of the responsibility of each citizen to make a choice that aligns with the values of truth, fairness, and justice, reflecting the hope that Christ offers.
A time for reflection and spiritual preparation
As we journey through Lent, the Transfiguration invites us to reflect on our own transformation.
Just as the disciples experienced a moment of spiritual enlightenment on the mountaintop, we too are called to seek moments of clarity and transformation in our own lives.
Lent offers us an opportunity to prepare our hearts for the Resurrection of Christ, much as the disciples were prepared for the trials they would soon face.
The Lenten season challenges us to confront the areas of our lives that need transformation and invites us to deepen our relationship with God.
In light of the Transfiguration, Lent becomes not just a time of penance but also a time of hope.
The vision of Christ in His glory assures us that our suffering is not the end.
Just as Jesus will triumph over death, we too will experience victory over the challenges that weigh us down.
The Transfiguration is a sign of the ultimate victory that awaits all who follow Christ.
Conclusion: Living with hope and faith in the midst of challenges
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent challenge us to place our hope in God, trusting that He will transform our suffering into glory.
As believers, we are called to remain firm in our faith, guided by the wisdom of our spiritual leaders, and hopeful in the promise of eternal life.
Just as the disciples were given a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory, we too are invited to look beyond the struggles of this life and focus on the glory that is to come.
As Malawians prepare for the upcoming elections, they are reminded of the importance of choosing leaders who will guide the nation toward a just and peaceful future.
The Transfiguration teaches us that true transformation begins with a deep faith in God and a willingness to follow His guidance.
By embracing this call, we can hope for a brighter future, both personally and collectively.
