The Sacraments and our Transformation
march 16, 2025 | 2nd sunday of lent, Year C
Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28b– 6
Lent is about transformation and holiness; Indeed the transfiguration of Christ revealed him as the Son of God who will suffer, die and rise on the third day. So the disciples should be comforted and strengthened by Jesus’ divine glory so that they could face the upcoming trials. We need the Holy Spirit to help us achieve this goal. Three spiritual experiences of transformation of Abraham, Paul and Jesus in today’s readings can enable us to envisage the power of transformation of the sacraments in our lives.
The transfiguration of Jesus helps understand our “transfiguration” in the Holy Mass as the source of our strength. In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar become “transfigured” or transformed (transubstiated) into the living Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the crucified, risen, and glorified Jesus. Just as Jesus’ Transfiguration was meant to strengthen the apostles in their time of trial, each Holy Mass should be our source of Heavenly strength against temptations, and for our Lenten renewal. After receiving holy communion, last Thursday, I observed the joy and the transformation on the faces of the homebound that I visited.
Each time we receive one of the Sacraments, we are transformed: For example, Baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God. By the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the path of holiness. Fr. Anthony de Mello tells the story of such a metamorphosis in the prayer life of an old man. “I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change the world.’ As I approached middle age and realized that half of my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me; just my family and friends and I shall be satisfied.’ Now that I am old and my days are numbered, I have begun to see how foolish I have been. My one prayer now is: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ If I had prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life.”
The Transfiguration of Jesus offers us a message of encouragement and hope: In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our own transfiguration in Heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words to Jesus: “This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased — listen to Him!” and so share the glory of His transfiguration.
Prayer: Lord, guide us to live as citizens of heaven, focusing on Your glory. Open our hearts to Your grace in our lives. May we reflect Your love and light to the world. Amen.
Living the Gospel today: Living as Citizens of Heaven. Philippians 3:20
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, St. Paul’s invites us to live as citizens of heaven. He urges us to follow his example. This reminds us to focus on our heavenly home and not just on earthly things. Let’s fix our eyes on eternity. Let’s prioritize our spiritual life. We should seek to grow closer to God each day through spiritual exercises. Does my way of life give honor to God and shows my hope in God’s promises?
Reflect on these words of St Augustine: “The heavenly city, which is the focus here, is characterized by a pursuit of eternal happiness and the society of saints, while the earthly city is marked by the pursuit of earthly pleasures and self-glory.”
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC