Lenten Bible Study
using the readings from Sunday Mass
For RCIA/OCIA and Liturgical Cycle Year A (2005, 2008)

Second Sunday of Lent
Read:
Genesis 12:1-4a
Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
1 Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9

Atop Mount Tabor, the pure light of Christ was revealed, as seen in this Gospel reading. The Father said, "This is my beloved Son; LISTEN TO HIM." The transfiguration is repeated every time we listen to Him and allow our faith to be enlightened. However, now it is WE who are transfigured.

During Lent as we repent of our sinfulness, we let His light consume the darkness within us. Then, the people around us will see Jesus when they look at us. We will shine with Him. We are thus transformed into OUR true identity. What is our true identity? It's our innermost being, which was created in the image of God!

Jesus left His mountaintop experience to enter into His ministry of suffering. When we are transfigured by the light of Christ, we leave our mountaintops to reveal Him to the world. Although there is, as 1st Timothy points out, hardship in sharing the gospel, we are comforted by the fact that after every Calvary there is always an Easter.

First, we have to spend time on the mountain, praying. Up there, we receive "the strength that comes from God." We are prepared, we are encouraged, we are restored, so that we can deal with the hardships. Listen. Can you hear what God's saying about you? It's the same words He spoke about Jesus on Mount Tabor: "This is my beloved child; listen to him/her." Some folks will listen, some will not, but our ability to shine with the love of Jesus is not based on how many will listen to us.

We are transfigured because Jesus saved us and called us to a holy life.

Questions for Reflection and Faith Sharing

1. As you read the passage from Genesis, how does it feel to think that others could "find a blessing in you"? People are blessed when their encounters with us are encounters with Jesus. How does it feel to be so closely linked with Jesus?

2. The reading from 1st Timothy reminds us of our holiness. Recall a time when you were enlightened by a new understanding of the faith. How did that change your behavior? How did this make you shine more like Jesus?

3. In the Gospel story, because the Father was so pleased with His Son, He affirmed that others should listen to Him. How do you know if the Father is pleased with you?

Question for Moving Forward on the Journey
Name one area of your life that you would like Jesus to transfigure. What will you do this week to expose it to Jesus' healing light?

© 2005 by Terry A. Modica

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See also the Lenten materials available at Catholic Digital Resources.

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