Biblical human encounters with God have always been a focal point in the history of salvation. The circumstances of those encounters remind us always to look for the divine presence of God. Today, on this second Sunday of Lent, the first and the Gospel readings offer us two specific events where people have received a divine calling. Abram, who would later be called Abraham, has his encounter where God openly traced a new road for his life; and the three disciples—Peter, James, and John—became the eyewitnesses of the transfiguration during this special manifestation of God. The transfiguration can be seen as a shared experience where the disciples get a glimpse of the glory of God manifested in and for the Son, Jesus. It is a very distinctive spiritual experience that comes exclusively through listening and hearing.
In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, by listening and hearing, Abraham shows us an inconceivable act of trust, faithfulness, obedience, and total confidence in God. Because of his total trust, God promised him a great descendant and an outpouring of blessing. It is obvious that as we are more attentive to the voice of God, we are more inclined to be transformed by his endless blessing. Abraham had to leave behind everything that stood in his way—his land, flock, family, and even his comfort. This serves as a reminder to us: do not let anything stand in your way when God is asking for something.
In the Gospel, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and brought them to a different level in their spiritual life at the spectacular scene of the transfiguration on Mount Tabor. This physical manifestation of God happened in a similar context to how Moses and Elijah experienced the presence of God in the Old Testament. This exclusive scenery appears to be a key moment in the revelation where Jesus allowed his disciples to get a glimpse of the climax of his glory and his intimate relationship with his Father. By appearing alongside Moses and Elijah, Jesus is saying to all of us that He is the fulfillment of the laws and the prophets.
Today the call is to stay lingering with the voice from the cloud saying: “This is my beloved Son…; listen to Him.” This is a profound affirmation of the revelation that Jesus shared with his disciples about his death and resurrection. We have been called to stay with the brightness of Jesus’ face, which enlightens our hearts and minds so that we understand his true identity. Through the voice from the cloud and the brightness of Jesus’ face, God the Father welcomes each one of us into eternal intimacy with His beloved Son. This week, God is telling the entire world to listen to Jesus. Please do not let anything prevent you from listening to Him.
