The Second Sunday of Lent shows us Jesus being Transfigured. The event is a preview of His Resurrection. After Peter's confession (8:27-30) and the rebuke given to Peter (8:31-33) and the harsh lesson about discipleship he gives (8:34-38), Mark invites us to contemplate the glory of Jesus from the point of view of Peter. Peter was rebuked for opposing the very process that would bring Jesus to His glorification. Six days after this -- that is, on the seventh day -- Jesus shows him why he shouldn't. Read the article about the Transfiguration of Jesus and use the followiing for your guide.
1. Jesus brings his selected dsciples to a very high mountain. Just imagine the climb that they made. Jesus gives a preview of his glory to the disciples; before that however, he made them experience how difficult the path would be before they would see him in his glory. The Christian life is a long climb up a very high mountain. It is similar to the experience of denying oneself, carrying one's cross and following Jesus (cf. Mark 8:34).
Reflect. The whole of Lent is an invitation for the baptized to make their own the journey of the Lord from death to life. Our practises of fasting and abstinence, of self-abnegation and self-denial, is our "dying to self" so that in the end we can also say with Paul: "I no longer live; it is Christ who lives in me. (cf. Gal. 2:20)". How have you been undergoing your Lenten exercise?
2. Peter did not want to leave the place after seeing the Lord transfigured. The sight must have been really magnificent that he wanted to preserve it.
Reflect. Do you remember any event where you had an encounter with the Lord -- perhaps in a retreat or a recollection or even a beautifully celebrated Mass -- where you felt you had to stay and savor the experience? Try to remember the event. What were your thoughts at the time? (If you have a notebook or journal, write about that experience.) Peter's experience could have been the one experience that held him back from going the way of Judas who, in despair, committed suicide. Perhaps your just remembered experience could be the one experience that would carry you through the difficulties you will face, if you haven't faced them already.
3. The Cloud that enveloped the mountain was the Glory-Cloud, the Shekinah of God's presence. It was from the cloud that the Voice tells the disciples who Jesus is and what they should do.
Reflect. Perhaps you haven't been enveloped by the Cloud of God's presence, but a different cloud -- the kind that wraps you around in darkness (like the Cloud of Unknowing that John of the Cross describes, perhaps?) and makes you feel the burden of discipleship? Write about it in your journal. It is through that cloud where God invites you to come closer and listen to His Voice.
