Padre Hallison Parro - Homilia dominical - 16/03/2025 - 2° Domingo da Quaresma - Ano C

Summary

This reflection on the Transfiguration of Jesus explores its deep connection to the Passion and Resurrection. It emphasizes the divine presence signified by the cloud, Jesus as the Chosen One, and the significance of Moses and Elijah's appearance. The disciples' fear in the face of the divine is contrasted with the accessibility of God through Jesus. The message calls for transformation, highlighting how through baptism and faith in Christ, believers are called to reflect His glory in their lives. The reflection invites us to embrace the Cross and share in the mission of spreading God's message.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cloud during the Transfiguration represents God's divine presence, similar to the cloud that guided the Israelites during the Exodus.
• 😀 The voice from the cloud declaring Jesus as 'The Chosen One' highlights His divine identity, connecting to Old Testament prophecies about the servant of the Lord.
• 😀 The Transfiguration foreshadows the glory of Jesus' resurrection, which is intimately tied to His Passion and Death.
• 😀 Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus to represent the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus.
• 😀 The command to 'listen to Him' underscores the importance of Jesus' teachings and His unique status as the Son of God.
• 😀 Just as Moses' face was transformed after encountering God, Christians are also called to experience transformation through baptism and the power of Jesus.
• 😀 The disciples' fear in the presence of the cloud signifies the awe and reverence that come with encountering the divine.
• 😀 The church is portrayed as the 'mountain of Transfiguration,' where believers encounter God's glory through the Eucharist and the liturgy.
• 😀 Christians are reminded that the glory of God, experienced through Jesus' sacrifice, is available to them through baptism.
• 😀 The Transfiguration invites believers to reflect on the interconnectedness of Jesus' glory, His Passion, and the salvation He offers to all.

Q & A

What is the significance of the cloud in the Transfiguration scene?

The cloud represents God's divine presence, similar to how the Israelites were guided by a cloud during their journey in the desert. It also recalls Moses' experience in Exodus 24:18, where he entered the cloud and stayed for 40 days and nights. The cloud symbolizes God's direct involvement with His people and reveals His glory.

Why do Moses and Elijah appear during the Transfiguration?

Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Their appearance emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law (Moses) and the prophetic tradition (Elijah). Additionally, both figures are associated with ascension to heaven, which parallels Jesus' own ascension.

What is the significance of God's voice during the Transfiguration?

God’s voice declares Jesus as 'the Chosen One,' which links Him to the Servant of the Lord in the prophecies of Isaiah. This reinforces that Jesus is the Messiah, the one whom the people must listen to, as He will explain the Scriptures and ultimately fulfill God's plan through His Passion.

How does the Transfiguration relate to the Passion of Jesus?

The Transfiguration offers a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory, which will be fully revealed in His resurrection. However, to understand the true meaning of this glory, one must also embrace the mystery of the Cross, which is central to the Christian faith and Jesus' mission.

Why does the speaker emphasize that the disciples should listen to Jesus?

The speaker highlights that Jesus is the only Son of God, the Chosen One, and that Christians must listen to Him because He is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. By listening to Jesus, believers are called to understand and follow God's will as revealed through Him, especially through His life, death, and resurrection.

What does the speaker mean by 'transfiguration' in the context of the Christian life?

The speaker suggests that just as Moses' face shone after encountering God, Christians are called to be transformed through their encounter with Jesus, especially during the liturgy and through baptism. This transformation reflects the divine glory and leads to a deeper understanding of God’s presence in their lives.

How does the Transfiguration provide a model for Christian witness?

The Transfiguration serves as a model for Christian witness because it shows that, like the apostles, Christians are called to be witnesses of Jesus' glory and share the gospel. The disciples' experience on the mountain teaches believers to witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection through their actions and words.

What does the speaker mean by 'the mountain' in the Christian context?

In the Christian context, 'the mountain' symbolizes a sacred space where believers encounter God. The speaker likens the church to a 'mountain,' where Christians come to contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus on the altar, much like the disciples witnessed Jesus' glory on the mountaintop.

How does the fear of the disciples during the Transfiguration relate to the Christian understanding of God?

The disciples' fear represents the awe and reverence that come with encountering the divine. God's presence is overwhelming, yet through Jesus, God has become approachable, offering believers confidence and peace. The fear is transformed into awe and devotion as they realize God's closeness through Jesus.

What role does the liturgy play in the Christian experience of transformation?

The liturgy, especially during the Eucharist and baptism, serves as a space where believers encounter God's divine presence. Through these sacred rites, Christians are spiritually transformed, just as Moses and the disciples experienced transformation in the presence of God. The liturgy allows believers to participate in the mystery of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.