Homilia Dominical | Não esqueça que nossa meta é o Céu (2º Domingo da Quaresma)

Summary

In this sermon, Father Paulo Ricardo reflects on the Gospel of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-35) as part of the second Sunday of Lent. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Christ's Passion and Resurrection, which lead to glory. Father Ricardo connects the Transfiguration to the Christian path of mortification, sacrifice, and hope for eternal glory. He underscores that the ultimate goal of faith is not to make the world better through human effort alone, but to embrace the Cross in preparation for heavenly glory, remembering the deeper spiritual purpose of Lent and the journey toward God.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Transfiguration reveals the divine glory of Jesus as a preview of the ultimate glory in Heaven.
• 😀 Jesus' suffering and passion are intimately connected to His glory, demonstrating the path Christians must follow.
• 😀 Lent is a time to embrace suffering and self-denial as part of the journey towards future glory, not for its own sake.
• 😀 The Church’s mission is not to create a better world, but to guide believers to eternal life with God in Heaven.
• 😀 Embracing the cross in daily life leads to spiritual transformation and prepares believers for the glory of Heaven.
• 😀 St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that the suffering of Jesus was necessary for Him to enter into glory, a path Christians must also walk.
• 😀 Christians are called to walk in the footsteps of Christ by renouncing self-will and obeying God's word.
• 😀 The goal of Lent is not just self-denial but to prepare spiritually for the eternal glory promised by God.
• 😀 The importance of hearing and obeying God's word is emphasized as the key to spiritual growth and transformation.
• 😀 Lent is a time to reflect on our identity as Christians and focus on the ultimate goal of achieving heavenly glory.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Transfiguration in the context of Lent?

The Transfiguration is a moment of divine revelation where Jesus shows his glory to his disciples. It highlights the connection between suffering and glory, reinforcing that the path to resurrection and eternal life requires embracing the cross, a key theme during Lent.

How does the Transfiguration relate to the journey to Jerusalem?

The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment that occurs as Jesus makes the decision to journey to Jerusalem. It serves as a spiritual preparation for the suffering he will face there, signaling a shift in the narrative of the Gospel of Luke.

Why does Jesus choose to show his glory to a select group of disciples?

Jesus reveals his glory to a small group of disciples to strengthen their faith and prepare them for the challenges ahead. This event is a glimpse of the divine glory that will be fully realized in the resurrection, providing hope and motivation for the disciples.

What is the relationship between the cross and the glory of Jesus?

The cross and glory are intimately connected in Christian theology. Jesus’ death on the cross is necessary to enter into his glory, demonstrating that suffering and sacrifice are integral parts of the journey to eternal life.

How does the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas deepen the understanding of the Transfiguration?

St. Thomas Aquinas explains that the Transfiguration was not for Jesus' own benefit but was meant to show the disciples that suffering has a purpose – it leads to glory. The display of glory was a way to give them hope and help them understand the necessity of embracing the cross.

What does St. Thomas Aquinas say about the need for a sense of purpose in life?

St. Thomas Aquinas notes that, just as an archer needs to aim at a target, people need to know their ultimate purpose to live a righteous life. This sense of purpose is central to understanding the Christian journey, which is aimed at the glory of heaven.

What role does baptism play in the Christian journey toward glory?

Baptism initiates the Christian into the path of death and resurrection, symbolizing the believer’s union with Christ’s suffering. This process begins on Earth through grace and is completed in the glory of heaven, where the Christian is fully transformed.

Why is it important to remember the purpose of suffering during Lent?

Lent is a time of spiritual preparation, where Christians are invited to embrace suffering and sacrifice as a way to become more attuned to the glory of God. Understanding that suffering has a purpose, which is to bring one closer to eternal life, helps maintain hope during this period of penance.

How does the vision of glory in the Transfiguration help Christians endure suffering?

The Transfiguration shows that suffering is not an end in itself but a step toward greater glory. By keeping their eyes on the goal of eternal life in heaven, Christians can endure their trials with the hope of the eventual reward that awaits them.

What is the relationship between the Church’s mission and the hope of heaven?

The Church’s mission is not to create a utopia on Earth but to guide believers toward the ultimate goal of eternal glory in heaven. While good works and social justice are part of Christian life, the Church’s true purpose is to help individuals grow spiritually and reach the glory of God.