In the Gospel of last Sunday, Jesus taught His disciples about what He did to prepare Himself for His mission. He made sure that He had complete faith in the presence of the Holy Spirit while confronting the Devil in the world where He shall minister.

          In the Gospel for this 2nd Sunday of Lent according to Luke 9:28-36, Jesus took Peter, John and James to a high mountain where He prayed. On that mountain, the weather must have been so enticing to rest and relax, as they were tired. So while Jesus prayed, the disciples fell asleep.

          The silence must have been broken by the conversation between Jesus and some men. Still drowsy, Peter must have caught a glimpse of their conversation about Jesus dying in Jerusalem but he could not understand it. The disciples were amazed at what they saw. Peter must have told Mark (his disciple) how Jesus changed in appearance before their very eyes -- "even his clothes shone, becoming white as no bleach of this world could make them" (Mark 9:2-3). The disciples must have recalled what Peter had said eight days earlier that he believed that Jesus is the "Messiah of God" (Luke 9:20). Now, the glory he saw in Jesus confirmed this belief.

          Peter admitted he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe (Mark 9:6). All Peter could say was what a Jew would offer to do to someone holy, "make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." The Jews kept the Ark of God in a tent (Exodus 25).

          But that was not the right thing to do this time. A voice came from the cloud, "This is my Son, my Chosen one, listen to him."

          What came into the minds of the three disciples upon hearing the Father?

          Request the family to relive the experience of Peter, John and James on that high mountain. If you were there seeing what the disciples Peter, John and James saw, and hearing what they heard, how would you respond to the Father? What does He mean by, "Listen to him"?

Prayer and Reflection ~

          Spend a few minutes in silent reflection with the words of the Father:

          "This is my Son, my Chosen one, listen to him."

          Have I not spent time to listen to Jesus?

          Listening to Jesus is praying to Jesus (Matthew 6:5-15). Praying is spending time with a "friend" whose intentions are pure, who is humble and gentle in spirit (Mt 11:29). He is the best friend (John 15:13).

Joe & Charito

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