Second Sunday of Lent, Year A: The Promise of Glory

Transfiguration by Raphael

When you get down to it, each of us is walking around with a vision of a hoped-for reality—an alternate reality—for ourselves, for those we love, for our community, for our world. We imagine a world that exists somewhere beyond what our eyes can presently see. We have a choice: we can either approach life as a problem to be solved, a contest to be won, or as a mystery to be entered into more deeply. Without that drive for “the more,” life is little more than a frustrating problem we can’t seem to solve or an absurd game that we can’t seem to win. With that drive for “the more,” life becomes a mystery that enfolds us.

In the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9), we, along with Peter, James, and John, get a glimpse of this mystery. Jesus is revealed in all his glory—a glimpse of what awaits at his Resurrection. To proclaim faith in Jesus Christ is to trust in his promise of a new reality—a reality of new and everlasting life, a reality in which heaven and earth are intimately linked. The Transfiguration is a reminder that this reality has already broken into this world. We can catch glimpses of it if we have eyes of faith. And, knowing that God keeps his promises, we can live as a people of hope and imagination.

  • What is one small thing you’re hoping for this week—at home, at work, from family, from friends, from co-workers, etc.? (Example: the kids will clean their rooms!)
  • What sometimes prevents you from being a person of hope?

Here are some videos related to the theme of the Transfiguration:

Here are links to videos related to the Gospel readings for all of the Sundays of Lent, Year A.

About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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