𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓’𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒌
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR А
March 1, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

Grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you! The mysterious events of the transfiguration story resemble a dream more than reality. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where he is transformed. His face and garments shine with heavenly brightness. Then Moses and Elijah appear with him. A cloud covers them with shadow, and a voice from the cloud says: “This is my Son, the beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5).

If the transformation is a dream, what does it mean? The Transfiguration is a graphic revelation of what Peter acknowledges shortly before: that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God (16:15-16). In its symbolism, it looks back to the Old Testament and forward to the events of the resurrection and ascension.

Moses symbolizes the Law, and Elijah the prophets. Their appearance with Jesus confirms that he has come to fulfil the Law and everything the prophets spoke of (Matthew 5:17). Both Moses and Elijah had experienced the presence of God on a mountain (Exodus 24:15; 1 Kings 19:8). The cloud symbolizes the covering of God’s presence (Exodus 24:15-18; Psalm 97:2) and links with the cloud that will hide Jesus from the disciples’ sight at the ascension (Acts 1:9) and the return of Christ with clouds (Revelation 1:7). The voice from the cloud echoes the heavenly voice at his baptism (Matthew 3:17), which identifies Jesus as God’s favoured Son.

Peter is so amazed by the scene that he offers to make tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He wants to make the fantastic vision permanent. The voice from the cloud reminds him that the presence of Jesus alone is what really matters. They should listen to him. Only when Jesus has accomplished his mission will they truly understand the significance of this happening. That is why Jesus tells them to keep quiet about it.

After the disciples have been given a glimpse of God’s glory, they see “only Jesus”. But the voice has assured them that he is sufficient. His life, death, and resurrection will make that glory a reality in their lives. Like the disciples, the full meaning of the transfiguration will be clear to us only when we experience the transforming power of Jesus as a reality of our lives. Until then, it remains nothing more than a nice dream – probably the nicest dream we ever had!

Have a blessed Sunday and an amazing Lenten Season!

Rev. Thomas Macauley, O.P.

Scripture Verse:
Matthew 17:5
“This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”