Lectio Reflection - 2nd Sunday in Lent - Luke 9:28-36

Summary

This reflection on the Transfiguration of Jesus explores its significance for the disciples and its deeper spiritual meaning. The speaker emphasizes that the focus is on the disciples’ need to listen to Jesus, as demonstrated by their confusion and misunderstanding during the event. Drawing connections to themes of prayer, listening, and divine revelation, the homily invites the audience to open their eyes and ears to God’s presence in their daily lives. The speaker encourages personal reflection on how the Word of God can be applied to daily actions, concluding with a prayer for spiritual nourishment and the strength to remain faithful.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Transfiguration is a key moment in the Gospel, emphasizing the disciples' recognition of Jesus' divine identity.
• 😀 The disciples, Peter, James, and John, were confused during the Transfiguration, revealing their difficulty in fully understanding the event.
• 😀 The central message of the Transfiguration is the command to 'listen to him,' highlighting the importance of listening to Jesus in our discipleship.
• 😀 The event occurs in the context of prayer, demonstrating the importance of prayer in recognizing God's presence and direction.
• 😀 Moses and Elijah’s presence on the mountain connects Jesus to salvation history, marking Him as the fulfillment of the Exodus.
• 😀 The voice from the cloud confirms Jesus' divine status, affirming He is God's chosen Son, whose teachings should be listened to.
• 😀 Peter’s suggestion to build tents reflects his confusion and misunderstanding of the profound nature of the event.
• 😀 Luke’s writing style draws on the Greek Old Testament, enhancing the connection between the Transfiguration and the larger biblical narrative.
• 😀 The Transfiguration is described as a contrast between the glory of the moment and the disciples’ lack of comprehension, highlighting their human limitations.
• 😀 The reflection encourages individuals to stay open to God’s miracles in daily life, challenging them to have ‘eyes and ears open’ to deeper spiritual realities.
• 😀 The importance of daily reflection on the Word of God is emphasized as a way to live out the message of the Transfiguration in daily life.

Q & A

What is the central focus of the Transfiguration event in the Gospel reading?

The central focus of the Transfiguration event is not so much on Jesus, but on the disciples. The purpose is to affirm Jesus' identity and to command the disciples to listen to him, as emphasized by the voice from the cloud.

How does the Transfiguration event demonstrate the relationship between Jesus and salvation history?

The Transfiguration, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Jesus, identifies Jesus with salvation history. Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, representing a new Exodus that establishes a new people.

Why is the cloud significant in the Transfiguration narrative?

The cloud in the Transfiguration signifies a theophany, a manifestation of God’s presence. It also serves as a symbol of divine mystery and power, as the disciples are overwhelmed and terrified by it.

What does Peter's reaction during the Transfiguration reveal about his understanding?

Peter’s reaction, suggesting the building of three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, reveals his confusion and lack of understanding of the moment. He tries to respond in a way that seems appropriate but is ultimately mistaken.

What is the key message communicated by the voice from the cloud?

The key message from the voice in the cloud is, 'This is my son, my chosen one; listen to him.' This reinforces the importance of listening to Jesus, who is the central figure in the Transfiguration and the Gospel.

How does the Transfiguration contrast with the disciples' experience afterward?

After the Transfiguration, the disciples descend from the mountain to find Jesus in a humble, ordinary state, not robed in glory and not accompanied by Moses and Elijah. This contrast highlights the challenge of recognizing the deeper truth of Jesus' identity beyond his appearance.

What role does 'listening' play in Luke’s Gospel, particularly in the Transfiguration story?

'Listening' is a key theme in Luke’s Gospel, emphasizing discipleship. In the Transfiguration, the command to listen to Jesus reflects the need for disciples to not only hear his words but to understand and follow them in their lives.

How does the Transfiguration reveal the disciples' spiritual state?

The Transfiguration highlights the disciples' spiritual confusion, as they are described as 'weighed down with sleep.' Their limited understanding of the event points to their need for further spiritual growth and clarity about Jesus' true mission.

How does the speaker relate the Transfiguration to other moments in Jesus’ life?

The speaker compares the Transfiguration to the vulnerability of Jesus as a baby in the manger and to his nakedness on the cross. This comparison emphasizes that, whether in moments of glory or humility, it is always the same person of Jesus who should be recognized and understood.

What is the significance of Brian Doyle's quote included in the reflection?

Brian Doyle's quote challenges the listener to remain open to recognizing and experiencing the miracles present in everyday life. It emphasizes the need to be attentive to God’s presence in all experiences, aligning with the call to 'listen to him' in the Transfiguration story.