Word to the Wise
Sunday, March 5, 2023 - 2nd Sunday of Lent - A
[Gen 12:1-4a; 2 Tim 1:8b-10; Matt 17:1-9]"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." [Matthew]
The Gospel According to Matthew portrays Jesus as a "new Moses" who reveals a new covenant on a mountain (the Sermon on the Mount). It also portrays Jesus as God's beloved Son. The revelation today on Mt. Tabor echoes both these themes. The voice from the clouds says the same thing it said at Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River (Matt. 3:17): "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." On this occasion, however, the voice adds, "Listen to him." Matthew concludes his gospel portrayal on a mountain with Jesus sending the disciples forth to "make disciples of all nations." (Matt. 28:19-20). The presence of Elijah and Moses who represent the "law and the prophets" is a sign that Jesus is the "fulfillment" of both as he says elsewhere in this gospel (Matt. 5:17).
All of this was too much for the three poor fishermen-apostles who went up that mountain. It comes after Jesus' second prediction of his death and resurrection, which Peter tried to deny the first time Jesus mentions it. Jesus is more than a great teacher and wisdom figure. He is the Son of God. This will only become clear once he dies and rises from the dead. Discipleship means recognizing Jesus' true identity and proclaiming it. We have an advantage that the three apostles did not have. We have centuries of reflection on Jesus' revelation on the three mountains. However, we share the commission given on the third mountain. We are called, as St. Paul says to Timothy in today's second scripture, to "Bear your share of the hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." AMEN
Comment on Reflection
<< Previous Date [Back to List] Next Date >>