Gospel Reading
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him."
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid."
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
"Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Mt 17:1-9
Gospel Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
We continue our reflection on figures of the passion with Simon of Cyrene as well as the Gospel of the Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John. The actions of these four disciples give us the opportunity to reflect on our own discipleship.
We meet Simon during the fifth station of the cross. According to the Gospels, Simon was forced to help Jesus carry His Cross to Calvary. It is Simon who personifies the Gospel we heard the day after Ash Wednesday when we are asked to pick up our cross daily and follow Christ (Cf Lk 9: 23). This is one of our roles of discipleship we are called to, following after Christ on His way to Calvary. This is done firstly by picking up our own cross but also by helping others carry their cross like Simon of Cyrene did for our Lord.
Another role in our discipleship is that of worship. In the Gospel for this weekend's liturgy, we see the Transfiguration. This mystical moment gives us a foretaste of heaven. Because of the holiness in this moment, the disciples fell down and prostrated themselves (Mt 17:6) in worship and fear. The three disciples that accompany Jesus — Peter, James, and John — also afford us two additional characteristics of discipleship, right worship and holy fear. It is by attending Mass and going to the Sacrament of Confession that we show our love for worship and show our fear of offending God.
Today, as we continue during the holy season of Lent, let us reflect upon our own discipleship. How are we following Christ in our daily life and where can we turn closer to Him by our words and actions. As always, know of my prayers before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
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