Second Sunday of Lent – Transfiguration
Why is the account of the Transfiguration read on the Second Sunday of Lent?
Why is the account of the Transfiguration read on the Second Sunday of Lent?
Editor’s Notes
The Gospel of the Second Sunday of Lent (and Ember Saturday) is that of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (also celebrated on August 6th). Its reading at this time highlights this episode’s connection to the Passion, and its role in preparing the Apostles.
In addition, its place in the liturgical cycle may have been intended as an encouragement to those catechumens preparing for baptism at Easter, who may have been increasingly conscious that becoming a Christian meant the end of their old, comfortable lives.
The event occurs after the confession of St. Peter and Christ’s first explicit prediction of the Passion. It is situated within the later part of Christ’s Galilean ministry, as he begins to prepare the Apostles for his approaching suffering.
This remarkable mystery confirms His identity as the Son of God, with the testimony of Moses and Elias representing the Law and the Prophets. It also provides a foretaste of the heavenly reward promised to those who take up the Cross.
These parts are included below – along with The WM Review’s commentary on the liturgical propers of the day, our “Little Lenten Effort”, and our Top Five Lent Articles.
The Transfiguration
Part I: Why did Christ reveal his transfigured glory before the Passion?
Christ was ‘transfigured’ before three chosen disciples, to prepare them for the Passion and confirm his preaching of the Cross.
Part II: Why were Moses and Elias at the Transfiguration?
The presence of these two representatives of the Law and the Prophets points to their fulfilment in Christ.
Part III: Why is the Transfiguration placed at the turning point of Christ’s public life?
God the Father puts his seal on Christ’s mission at the Transfiguration.
Part IV: What the Transfiguration means for Christians today
Christ’s Transfiguration represent a stage in our divine adoption, by which we become ‘sons in the Son.’
Part V: Why did Christ command secrecy about the Transfiguration until after Easter?
Everything about the Transfiguration points towards the Passion—even if it isn’t clear at first.
Bonus Articles
Before Passiontide, Lent asks us: ‘What think ye of Christ?’
This is the most important question of our lives, and each man must give an answer to it. Lent both asks the question, and gives us the answer.
The WM Review’s Little Lenten Effort
See here for a very simple programme based on the “Little Way” of St Thérèse of Lisieux:
The WM Review’s Top Five Lent Articles
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