The story of the Transfiguration gives a direction to our Lenten observance: it points the way to the glory of the Resurrection and therefore also to the glory in which the baptized are called to share. Read the article "The New Exodus" and reflect on the following questions.
1.The Transfiguration is a preview of the glory that will belong to Jesus after he has carried out his mission in Jerusalem. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
The Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of Christ's glorious coming, when he "will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body." But it also recalls that "it is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)"
(CCC, 556)
Understood within the context of Lent understood as a period of preparation for the renewal of baptismal consecration in Easter, what do you think is the significance of this event, remembered and celebrated by the Church?
2. The Transfiguration is the moment where Jesus' Exodus is discussed with Moses and Elijah. Both these prophets fought for the special relationship between God and His people Israel, a relationship that was forged through a covenant. Jesus' Exodus will also involve a new covenant that will be forged in the pouring of his blood from the cross: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you." (Luke 22:20)
How do you see the celebration of the Eucharist as your participation in Jesus' Exodus?1
3. In last Sunday's gospel reading we said that as Christians we should make our own the Victory of Jesus over the Tempter. In today's gospel reading, the invitation is that we join Jesus in his Exodus. How do you think can the Lenten practices of fasting and abstinence, prayer and almsgiving help us become one with Jesus in his journey?
1CCC 1151 states: "(The Lord Jesus) gives new meaning to the deeds and signs of the Old Covenant, above all to the Exodus and the Passover for he himself is the meaning of those signs."
