Alliance for Catholic Education
Gospel - Luke 9: 28B-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
Reflection
Written by Jessica Smith
Advancement Specialist, Notre Dame ACE Academies Daytona Beach
In this Gospel, we receive a glimpse of Christ's illuminating glory. How wonderful it is to be reminded of the brightness of Christ's Light, especially as we walk these forty days of Lent toward the redeeming cross of our savior!
Luke provides powerful imagery to describe the transfiguration of Jesus, with details of a changed face and dazzling white clothing. We can only imagine what it must have been like for James, John, and Peter to witness such a moment...if they had been fully awake.
Yes, the friends and followers Jesus had chosen by name to be with him had fallen asleep, practically missing the entire event! "Overcome by sleep," they were almost completely oblivious to the miracle right in front of them. This all-too-recognizable moment of deep humanity reminds me of a student who doesn't give their full attention to a lesson we tailored specifically for them, or a parent who doesn't return our phone calls home to share good news about the progress of their student.
It is easy for us to chide these apostles, to almost scoff at their actions...but then we realize that they are not the only ones who have fallen short of recognizing God's grace in their lives, no matter how bright it appears to be. In these Lenten days, we recognize and acknowledge that we, too, have failed to stay awake to witness Christ's transformative power.