Second Sunday of Lent
Lectionary: 27
Lectionary: 27
The Lord God took Abram outside and said,
“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
He then said to him,
“I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans
to give you this land as a possession.”
“O Lord GOD,” he asked,
“how am I to know that I shall possess it?”
He answered him,
“Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat,
a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Abram brought him all these, split them in two,
and placed each half opposite the other;
but the birds he did not cut up.
Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses,
but Abram stayed with them.
As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram,
and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.
When the sun had set and it was dark,
there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch,
which passed between those pieces.
It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram,
saying: “To your descendants I give this land,
from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.”
“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
He then said to him,
“I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans
to give you this land as a possession.”
“O Lord GOD,” he asked,
“how am I to know that I shall possess it?”
He answered him,
“Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat,
a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Abram brought him all these, split them in two,
and placed each half opposite the other;
but the birds he did not cut up.
Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses,
but Abram stayed with them.
As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram,
and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.
When the sun had set and it was dark,
there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch,
which passed between those pieces.
It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram,
saying: “To your descendants I give this land,
from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.”
Responsorial
PsalmPS 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
R. (1a) The
Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Reading 2PHIL 3:17—4:1
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters,
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord.
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord.
Brothers and sisters:
Our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
Our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
Verse Before
The GospelCF. MT 17:5
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard:
This is my beloved Son, hear him.
This is my beloved Son, hear him.
GospelLK 9:28B-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
2nd Sunday
in Advent – Cycle C
Note:
Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is
recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
Introduction
Advent
is really a season in two parts, with the first two weeks concerned with the
Lord’s coming as Judge of all at the end of time and the second two weeks
serving as the proximate preparation for His coming in the flesh. Our
activities, like the Church’s readings, should reflect this dual character.
The
Old Testament readings of Advent set the mood and theme each week. As we hear
these readings, we need to look at our own dreams and expectations. How do we
express them? The prophets of the Old Testament used beautiful poetic
expressions, such as the lamb lying at peace with the lion, swords being beaten
into plowshares, and the great banquet to come that will be presided over by
the Lord. What poetic and symbolic expressions would we use to describe the age
that is to come when we will know the Lord fully? What does the “Day of the
Lord” mean for us? Can we identify with the dreams of the prophets? Advent is a
season of anticipation.
1st Reading - Baruch 5:1-9
This
reading from the book of Baruch (which constitutes the entire fifth chapter) is
similar to last week’s reading from Zechariah. All the valleys will be raised
and the mountains lowered “so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God”
(Baruch 5:7). This is powerful poetry that provides us with images of the
perfect day of the Lord. The Lord will provide His people with a smooth highway
leading them back to their own land from the Babylonian captivity.
5:1 Jerusalem, take off your robe of
mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever:
Jerusalem
removes her mourning garment (Baruch 4:20) and clothes herself in the garment
of light that emanates from her Lord, who is presented as the sun rising in the
east. This garment is described in the following verse.
2 Wrapped in the cloak of justice
from God,
The
guarantee of the sum of harmony, security, and prosperity
bear
on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. 3 For
God will show all the earth your splendor: 4 you will be
named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship. 5 Up,
Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east
The
direction in which the sun rises
and
see your children gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy
One, rejoicing that they are remembered by God. 6 Led away
on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you
borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.
See
Isaiah 49:22. The other nations now subject to Israel carry the Jewish
communities dispersed outside Palestine home on portable thrones.
7For God has commanded that every lofty
mountain be made low, And that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level
ground, that Israel may advance secure
As in
Isaiah 40:3-4, a road is leveled through the desert for the most direct march
to Jerusalem.
in
the glory of God.
The
glory and splendor belong to the returning dispersed Jewish communities which
reflect the light of the divine presence. Only God controls the sun, can appear
in it for the exiles, and can lead them home basking in its light.
8The forests and every fragrant kind of
tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command;
As in
Isaiah 41:18-19 the Arabian Desert by a miracle receives abundant rain, and the
road home is adorned with miraculously fast-growing trees that require such
rain. The fact that dry ground is rained on for the first time makes these
rains the first fall rains. This suggests that the feast for which the
dispersion returns is Tabernacles, though in fact the first rains normally come
after Tabernacles.
9For God is leading Israel in joy by the
light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.
These
Divine attributes are portrayed as attendants of the Lord – angels.
2nd Reading - Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Saint
Paul writes to the people of Philippi with the same concern that we heard
expressed in last week’s second reading. The people must always be ready for
“the Day of Christ” which can come at any time. If we are to be true to the
Advent season we must emphasize the second coming of Christ before we move to
the first coming in Bethlehem.
4 [I] pray always with joy
Joy
is the underlying theme throughout Philippians.
in
my every prayer for all of you, 5 because of your
partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.
The
Philippians have had a share in the gospel through their conversion, their
support of Paul, and their own costly witness to the truth.
“I
both glorify God and offer prayers for you. The fact that you are already
advancing in excellence does not prevent my praying further for you.” [Saint
John Chrysostom (A.D. 398-404), Homilies on the Epistle to the
Philippians, 2,1,4]
6 I am confident of this, that the
one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of
Christ Jesus.
The
parousia. When His task of subduing the world to God’s glory (Philippians 3:21)
is complete, Christ will appear in glory to hand over the kingdom to the Father
(1 Corinthians 15:24-28.)
8 For God is my witness, how I long for
all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
The
Greek word splanchna, translated as “affection” denotes the inward
organs (heart, lungs, liver) seen as the seat of deepest emotion (hence the
saying “gut feeling”).
9And this is my prayer: that your love
may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, 10 to
discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of
Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that
comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Righteousness
for St. Paul is the right standing with God at the end times. Christian ethical
life is the fruit of this relationship with God.
“Enjoy
these gifts! Keep your faith uncontaminated! Present the fruit of righteousness
to God, so that God will be celebrated by all.” [Theodoret of Cyr (ca. A.D.
450), On Ephesians, 1,11]
Gospel
- Luke 3:1-6
John
the Baptist is a key symbol of Advent preparation. The prophet Isaiah is quoted
to
show how John is preparing the people for Christ’s coming. When the Jews were
held captive in Babylon, they built roads for their captors. A day would come,
Isaiah wrote, when they would build a highway for their God to prepare the way
for His coming. Valleys would be filled in, and hills would be lowered for the
“king’s highway.” In a similar fashion, the Church says today, John the Baptist
is calling on us to prepare a road so that Christ can come.
3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign
of Tiberius Caesar,
The
15th year of Tiberius Caesar seems to be August/September A.D.
28-29.
when
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,
Pontius
Pilate was prefect of Judea in A.D. 26-36.
and
Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of
Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
Herod,
Philip and Lysanias were sons of Herod the Great. Even the power of someone as
mighty as Herod the Great came to an end with his death, as the Romans carved
up his kingdom and gave it to his sons. Herod here is Herod Antipas (4
B.C.-A.D. 39). Luke will have much to say about him in his Gospel, none of it
good. Neither John nor Jesus fares well at Herod’s hands.
2during the high priesthood of
Annas
High
priest from A.D. 6-15
and
Caiaphas,
Caiaphas
was the son-in-law of Annas and high priest A.D. 18-37. These men held
authority only because Rome so willed it. The high priests rejected John’s baptism.
the
word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
Luke
frequently associates desert with John. If the Quamranites lived in the desert
awaiting God’s deliverance, the fact that John also exercises his ministry in
the desert may be an instance of Quamran influence on John.
3He went throughout (the) whole
region
Unlike
the John the Baptist described in Mark, Luke’s John the Baptist is an itinerant
preacher.
of
the Jordan,
Although
one needs water for baptism, this factor does not necessarily explain the
selection of the Jordan River. Is there a historical tradition here that John’s
baptism was associated with a covenant renewal before people passed over the
Jordan into the “Promised land”?
proclaiming
a baptism of repentance
A
turning from sin and turning over a new leaf of model behavior.
for
the forgiveness of sins,
The
imagery here stems from the cancellation of economic debts and release from
slavery or imprisonment (see Luke 5:31-32). Repentance and forgiveness of sins
are Luke’s treasured ways of detailing what Jesus the Christ has achieved for
humanity.
4 as it is written in the book of
the words of the prophet Isaiah:
Quotes
Isaiah 40:3-5. What John is about is in fulfillment of God’s promise of a new
exodus, which will be from the exile of death and sin and will be accomplished
by Jesus, whose way John prepares. It should be noted that the Quamranites
applied Isaiah 40:3 to themselves as they prepared the Lord’s way by living in
the desert, by studying the Law, and by separating themselves from outsiders.
“A
voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make
straight his paths. 5 Every valley shall be filled and
every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made
straight, and the rough ways made smooth, 6 and all flesh
shall see the salvation of God.’
This
may be seen as a metaphorical reference to radical changes in a person’s
lifestyle.
Meditation: Jesus transfigured in glory
What can blind us or
keep us from recognizing God's glory in our lives? Sin and unbelief for sure! Faith
enables us to see what is hidden or unseen to the naked eye. Through the eyes
of faith Abraham recognized God and God's call on his life. He saw from afar
not only what God intended for him, but for his descendants as well - an
everlasting covenant of friendship and peace with the living God (Genesis
15:18). Abraham is the father of faith because he put his hope in the promises
of God. Faith makes us taste in advance the light of God's glory when we shall
see him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2).
The Lord Jesus reveals
his glory in fulfilling his Father's will
Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white (Mark 9:2,3).
Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white (Mark 9:2,3).
When Moses met with God
on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking
with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites
could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account
Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with
Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved
apostles - Peter, James, and John.
What is the significance
of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well
what awaited him in Jerusalem - his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus
very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and
Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This
is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his son because
he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the
dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would
fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2
Maccabees 2:8).
The Lord wants to share
his glory with each of us
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will be written in heaven.
Jesus succeeded in
his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise would be restored to us
once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the crown of glory that awaits each
one of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.
Origen (185-254 AD), an
early church bible scholar and writer, shows us how the transfiguration can
change our lives:
"When he is
transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the
children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor
of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become
the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine
unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of
righteousness."
Stay awake spiritually -
Don't miss God's glory and action
Luke's Gospel account tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.
Luke's Gospel account tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God.
Are you spiritually
awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ.
We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We
all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed
into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the
Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal
his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and
reverence?
"Lord Jesus, keep
me always alert to you, to your presence in my life, and to your life-giving
word that nourishes me daily. Let me see your glory."
Daily Quote from the
early church fathers: The transfiguration of Jesus, by Jerome (347-420 AD)
"Do you wish to see the transfiguration of Jesus?
Behold with me the Jesus of the Gospels. Let him be simply apprehended. There
he is beheld both 'according to the flesh' and at the same time in his true
divinity. He is beheld in the form of God according to our capacity for
knowledge. This is how he was beheld by those who went up upon the lofty
mountain to be apart with him. Meanwhile those who do not go up the mountain
can still behold his works and hear his words, which are uplifting. It is
before those who go up that Jesus is transfigured, and not to those below. When
he is transfigured, his face shines as the sun, that he may be manifested to
the children of light, who have put off the works of darkness and put on the
armor of light (Romans 13:12). They are no longer the children of
darkness or night but have become the children of day. They walk honestly as in
the day. Being manifested, he will shine to them not simply as the sun but as
he is demonstrated to be, the sun of righteousness." (excerpt fromCOMMENTARY
ON MATTHEW 12.37.10)
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21; LUKE 9:28b-36
(Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17 ̶ 4:1).
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21; LUKE 9:28b-36
(Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17 ̶ 4:1).
KEY VERSE: Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (v 35).
TO KNOW: As Jesus set out to Jerusalem and to the cross, he went up the mountain, taking three of his closest companions to pray with him. The mountain was a place where Jesus regularly went to pray (Lk 6:12; 22:39-41). In the Old Testament, it was on Mount Sinai where God's revelation came to Moses the law-giver (Ex 19:3), and to Elijah the prophet on Mount Horeb (another name for Sinai) (1 Kgs 19:8). Like Moses on the mountain, Jesus' face became radiant with his encounter with God (Ex 34:29). Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, and together they spoke of Jesus' "exodus," his saving death whereby he would liberate people from sin. Peter's desire to remain on the mountain in "tents" was a reminder of the wilderness journey to the Promised Land when the people dwelt in branched huts. The Feast of Tabernacles, or "Booths" (Sukkot), commemorates this event. At the end of the book of Exodus there is an account of the completion of the tabernacle and the words: "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex 40:34). Jesus is the tabernacle of God's presence, and God's glory was manifested in a cloud that overshadowed him. Jesus is God's chosen one, God's beloved Son. He is a prophet like Moses to whom the people must listen (Dt 18:15).
TO LOVE: Am I listening to what Jesus is telling me during Lent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus help me to desire your presence.
Sunday 21 February 2016
Sun 21st.. 2nd Sunday of Lent. Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—Ps 26(27):1, 7-9, 13-14. Philippians 3:17
– 4:1. Luke 9:28-36. [St Peter Damian].
Moments
of awe and wonder leave us speechless.
So many times we do not know what we say – in moments
of awe and wonder, as well as in moments of profound grief and loss. Peter,
John and James were surprised and terrified by the appearance of Moses and
Elijah and of Jesus’ transfiguration, and words failed them. How often words
fail us too: when we find ourselves before God’s light that searches and bares
our souls; when we are witnesses to the bringing forth of life; when we are
privileged to accompany another on their Calvary walk. And, like Peter, how
often we want to hold on to moments of transfiguration and forget about
suffering and death, secretly hoping that it can be bypassed if only we just
stay up on the mountain. Yet at the heart of our faith is the revelation of
God’s love on the cross. May the transfigured Christ be our hope as we walk
through the way of the cross.
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
|
Love Your Neighbor
|
Christ comes to us through innumerable creatures, since all
creation is sacramental. One of the sacramentals bringing us Christ is our
neighbor—especially the least of our neighbors. The stunning truth is that
Christ is present in all those you meet. How you treat them is how you treat
him. Your neighbor is God’s gift to you, a sacramental through whom Christ
works in your soul.
February
21
St. Peter Damian
(1007-1072)
St. Peter Damian
(1007-1072)
Maybe because he was orphaned and had been
treated shabbily by one of his brothers, Peter Damian was very good to the
poor. It was the ordinary thing for him to have a poor person or two with him
at table and he liked to minister personally to their needs.
Peter escaped poverty and the neglect of his own
brother when his other brother, who was archpriest of Ravenna, took him under
his wing. His brother sent him to good schools and Peter became a professor.
Already in those days Peter was very strict with
himself. He wore a hair shirt under his clothes, fasted rigorously and spent
many hours in prayer. Soon, he decided to leave his teaching and give himself
completely to prayer with the Benedictines of the reform of St. Romuald (June
19) at Fonte Avellana. They lived two monks to a hermitage. Peter was so eager
to pray and slept so little that he soon suffered from severe insomnia. He
found he had to use some prudence in taking care of himself. When he was not
praying, he studied the Bible.
The abbot commanded that when he died Peter should
succeed him. Abbot Peter founded five other hermitages. He encouraged his
brothers in a life of prayer and solitude and wanted nothing more for himself.
The Holy See periodically called on him, however, to be a peacemaker or
troubleshooter, between two abbeys in dispute or a cleric or government
official in some disagreement with Rome.
Finally, Pope Stephen IX made Peter the
cardinal-bishop of Ostia. He worked hard to wipe out simony (the buying of
church offices), and encouraged his priests to observe celibacy and urged even
the diocesan clergy to live together and maintain scheduled prayer and
religious observance. He wished to restore primitive discipline among religious
and priests, warning against needless travel, violations of poverty and too
comfortable living. He even wrote to the bishop of Besancon, complaining that
the canons there sat down when they were singing the psalms in the Divine
Office.
He wrote many letters. Some 170 are extant. We also
have 53 of his sermons and seven lives, or biographies, that he wrote. He
preferred examples and stories rather than theory in his writings. The
liturgical offices he wrote are evidence of his talent as a stylist in Latin.
He asked often to be allowed to retire as
cardinal-bishop of Ostia, and finally Alexander II consented. Peter was happy
to become once again just a monk, but he was still called to serve as a papal
legate. When returning from such an assignment in Ravenna, he was overcome by a
fever. With the monks gathered around him saying the Divine Office, he died on
February 22, 1072.
In 1828 he was declared a Doctor of the Church.
Comment:
Peter was a reformer and if he were alive today would no doubt encourage the renewal started by Vatican II. He would also applaud the greater emphasis on prayer that is shown by the growing number of priests, religious and laypersons who gather regularly for prayer, as well as the special houses of prayer recently established by many religious communities.
Peter was a reformer and if he were alive today would no doubt encourage the renewal started by Vatican II. He would also applaud the greater emphasis on prayer that is shown by the growing number of priests, religious and laypersons who gather regularly for prayer, as well as the special houses of prayer recently established by many religious communities.
Quote:
“...Let us faithfully transmit to posterity the example of virtue which we have received from our forefathers” (St. Peter Damian).
“...Let us faithfully transmit to posterity the example of virtue which we have received from our forefathers” (St. Peter Damian).
LECTIO DIVINA: 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT (C)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, February 21, 2016 - 10
The Transfiguration of Jesus
A new way of fulfilling the prophecies
A new way of fulfilling the prophecies
Luke 9:28-36
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
A few days earlier, Jesus had said that
he, the Son of Man, had to be tried and crucified by the authorities (Lk 9:22;
Mk 8:31). According to the information in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, the
disciples, especially Peter, did not understand what Jesus had said and were
scandalised by the news (Mt 16:22; Mk 8:32). Jesus reacted strongly and turned
to Peter calling him Satan (Mt 16:23; Mk 8:33). This was because Jesus’ words
did not correspond with the ideal of the glorious Messiah whom they imagined.
Luke does not mention Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ strong reply, but he does
describe, as do the other Evangelists, the episode of the Transfiguration. Luke
sees the Transfiguration as an aid to the disciples so that they may be able to
overcome the scandal and change their idea of the Messiah (Lk 9:28-36). Taking
with him the three disciples, Jesus goes up the mountain to pray and, while he
is praying, is transfigured. As we read the text, it is good to note what
follows: “Who appears with Jesus on the mountain to converse with him? What is
the theme of their conversation? What is the disciples’ attitude?”
b) A division of the text as an aid to
the reading:
i) Luke 9:28: The moment of crisis
ii) Luke 9:29: The change that takes place during the prayer
iii) Luke 9:30-31: The appearance of the two men and their conversation with Jesus
iv) Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’ reaction
v) Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
ii) Luke 9:29: The change that takes place during the prayer
iii) Luke 9:30-31: The appearance of the two men and their conversation with Jesus
iv) Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’ reaction
v) Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
c) The text:
28 Now about eight days after these
sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain
to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was
altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked
with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his
departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who
were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory
and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him,
Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make
three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah" - not
knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them;
and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the
cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And
when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and
told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate
and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) What pleased you most in this episode
of the Transfiguration? Why?
b) Who are those who go to the mountain with Jesus? Why do they go?
c) Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain next to Jesus. What is the significance of these two persons from the Old Testament for Jesus, for the disciples for the community in the 80s? And for us today?
d) Which prophecy from the Old Testament is fulfilled in the words of the Father concerning Jesus?
e) What is the attitude of the disciples during this episode?
f) Has there been a transfiguration in your life? How have such experiences of transfiguration helped you to fulfil your mission better?
g) Compare Luke’s description of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-36) with his description of the agony of Jesus in the Garden (Lk 22:39-46). Try to see whether there are any similarities. What is the significance of these similarities?
5. A key to the reading
b) Who are those who go to the mountain with Jesus? Why do they go?
c) Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain next to Jesus. What is the significance of these two persons from the Old Testament for Jesus, for the disciples for the community in the 80s? And for us today?
d) Which prophecy from the Old Testament is fulfilled in the words of the Father concerning Jesus?
e) What is the attitude of the disciples during this episode?
f) Has there been a transfiguration in your life? How have such experiences of transfiguration helped you to fulfil your mission better?
g) Compare Luke’s description of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-36) with his description of the agony of Jesus in the Garden (Lk 22:39-46). Try to see whether there are any similarities. What is the significance of these similarities?
5. A key to the reading
for those who wish to go deeper into the
theme.
a) The context of Jesus’ discourse:
In the two previous chapters of Luke’s
Gospel, the innovation brought by Jesus stands out and tensions between the New
and the Old grow. In the end, Jesus realised that no one had understood his
meaning and much less his person. People thought that he was like John the
Baptist, Elijah or some old prophet (Lk 9:18-19). The disciples accepted him as
the Messiah, but a glorious Messiah, according to the propaganda issued by the
government and the official religion of the Temple (Lk 9:20-21). Jesus tried to
explain to his disciples that the journey foreseen by the prophets was one of
suffering because of its commitment to the excluded and that a disciple could
only be a disciple if he/she took up his/her cross (Lk 9:22-26). But he did not
meet with much success. It is in such a context of crisis that the
Transfiguration takes place.
In the 30s, the experience of the Transfiguration had a very important significance in the life of Jesus and of the disciples. It helped them overcome the crisis of faith and to change their ideals concerning the Messiah. In the 80s, when Luke was writing for the Christian communities in Greece, the meaning of the Transfiguration had already been deepened and broadened. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection and of the spread of the Good News among the pagans in almost every country, from Palestine to Italy, the experience of the Transfiguration began to be seen as a confirmation of the faith of the Christian communities in Jesus, Son of God. The two meanings are present in the description and interpretation of the Transfiguration in Luke’s Gospel.
In the 30s, the experience of the Transfiguration had a very important significance in the life of Jesus and of the disciples. It helped them overcome the crisis of faith and to change their ideals concerning the Messiah. In the 80s, when Luke was writing for the Christian communities in Greece, the meaning of the Transfiguration had already been deepened and broadened. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection and of the spread of the Good News among the pagans in almost every country, from Palestine to Italy, the experience of the Transfiguration began to be seen as a confirmation of the faith of the Christian communities in Jesus, Son of God. The two meanings are present in the description and interpretation of the Transfiguration in Luke’s Gospel.
b) A commentary on the text:
Luke 9:28: The moment of crisis
On several occasions Jesus entered into conflict with the people and the religious and civil authorities of his time (Lk 4:28-29; 5:21-20; 6:2-11; 7:30.39; 8:37; 9,9). He knew they would not allow him to do the things he did. Sooner or later they would catch him. Besides, in that society, the proclamation of the Kingdom, as Jesus did, was not to be tolerated. He either had to withdraw or face death! There were no other alternatives. Jesus did not withdraw. Hence the cross appears on the horizon, not just as a possibility but as a certainty (Lk 9:22). Together with the cross there appears also the temptation to go on with the idea of the Glorious Messiahand not of the Crucified, suffering servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (Mk 8:32-33). At this difficult moment Jesus goes up the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, James and John. Through his prayer, Jesus seeks strength not to lose sense of direction in his mission (cf. Mk 1:35).
On several occasions Jesus entered into conflict with the people and the religious and civil authorities of his time (Lk 4:28-29; 5:21-20; 6:2-11; 7:30.39; 8:37; 9,9). He knew they would not allow him to do the things he did. Sooner or later they would catch him. Besides, in that society, the proclamation of the Kingdom, as Jesus did, was not to be tolerated. He either had to withdraw or face death! There were no other alternatives. Jesus did not withdraw. Hence the cross appears on the horizon, not just as a possibility but as a certainty (Lk 9:22). Together with the cross there appears also the temptation to go on with the idea of the Glorious Messiahand not of the Crucified, suffering servant, announced by the Prophet Isaiah (Mk 8:32-33). At this difficult moment Jesus goes up the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, James and John. Through his prayer, Jesus seeks strength not to lose sense of direction in his mission (cf. Mk 1:35).
Luke 9:29: The change that takes
place during the prayer
As soon as Jesus starts praying, his appearance changes and he appears glorious. His face changes and his clothes become white and shining. It is the glory that the disciples imagined for the Messiah. This transformation told them clearly that Jesus was indeed the Messiah expected by all. But what follows the episode of the Transfiguration will point out that the way to glory is quite different from what they imagined. The transfiguration will be a call to conversion.
As soon as Jesus starts praying, his appearance changes and he appears glorious. His face changes and his clothes become white and shining. It is the glory that the disciples imagined for the Messiah. This transformation told them clearly that Jesus was indeed the Messiah expected by all. But what follows the episode of the Transfiguration will point out that the way to glory is quite different from what they imagined. The transfiguration will be a call to conversion.
Luke 9:30-31: Two men appear
speaking with Jesus
Together with Jesus and in the same glorious state there appear Moses and Elijah, the two major exponents of the Old Testament, representing the Law and the Prophets. They speak with Jesus about “the Exodus brought to fulfilment in Jerusalem”. Thus, in front of the disciples, the Law and the Prophets confirm that Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah, promised in the Old Testament and awaited by the whole people. They further confirm that the way toGlory is through the painful way of the exodus. Jesus’ exodus is his passion, death and resurrection. Through his “exodus” Jesus breaks the dominion of the false idea concerning the Messiah spread by the government and by the official religion and that held all ensnared in the vision of a glorious, nationalistic messiah. The experience of the Transfiguration confirmed that Jesus as Messiah Servant constituted an aid to free them from their wrong ideas concerning the Messiah and to discover the real meaning of the Kingdom of God.
Together with Jesus and in the same glorious state there appear Moses and Elijah, the two major exponents of the Old Testament, representing the Law and the Prophets. They speak with Jesus about “the Exodus brought to fulfilment in Jerusalem”. Thus, in front of the disciples, the Law and the Prophets confirm that Jesus is truly the glorious Messiah, promised in the Old Testament and awaited by the whole people. They further confirm that the way toGlory is through the painful way of the exodus. Jesus’ exodus is his passion, death and resurrection. Through his “exodus” Jesus breaks the dominion of the false idea concerning the Messiah spread by the government and by the official religion and that held all ensnared in the vision of a glorious, nationalistic messiah. The experience of the Transfiguration confirmed that Jesus as Messiah Servant constituted an aid to free them from their wrong ideas concerning the Messiah and to discover the real meaning of the Kingdom of God.
Luke 9:32-34: The disciples’
reaction
The disciples were in deep sleep. When they woke up, the saw Jesus in his glory and the two men with him. But Peter’s reaction shows that they were not aware of the real meaning of the glory in which Jesus appeared to them. As often happens with us, they were only aware of what concerned them. The rest escapes their attention. “Master, it is good for us to be here!” And they do not want to get off the mountain any more! When it is question of the cross, whether on the Mount of the Transfiguration or on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:45), they sleep! They prefer the Glory to the Cross! They do not like to speak or hear of the cross. They want to make sure of the moment of glory on the mountain, and they offer to build three tents. Peter did not know what he was saying.
While Peter was speaking, a cloud descended from on high and covered them with its shadow. Luke says that the disciples became afraid when the cloud enfolded them. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God. The cloud accompanied the multitude on their journey through the desert (Ex 40: 34-38; Nm 10:11-12). When Jesus ascended into heaven, he was covered by a cloud and they no longer saw him (Acts 1:9). This was a sign that Jesus had entered forever into God’s world.
The disciples were in deep sleep. When they woke up, the saw Jesus in his glory and the two men with him. But Peter’s reaction shows that they were not aware of the real meaning of the glory in which Jesus appeared to them. As often happens with us, they were only aware of what concerned them. The rest escapes their attention. “Master, it is good for us to be here!” And they do not want to get off the mountain any more! When it is question of the cross, whether on the Mount of the Transfiguration or on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:45), they sleep! They prefer the Glory to the Cross! They do not like to speak or hear of the cross. They want to make sure of the moment of glory on the mountain, and they offer to build three tents. Peter did not know what he was saying.
While Peter was speaking, a cloud descended from on high and covered them with its shadow. Luke says that the disciples became afraid when the cloud enfolded them. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God. The cloud accompanied the multitude on their journey through the desert (Ex 40: 34-38; Nm 10:11-12). When Jesus ascended into heaven, he was covered by a cloud and they no longer saw him (Acts 1:9). This was a sign that Jesus had entered forever into God’s world.
Luke 9:35-36: The Father’s voice
A voice is heard from the cloud that says: “This is my Son, the Chosen, listen to him”. With this same sentence the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed the Messiah-Servant (Is 42:1). First Moses and Elijah, now God himself presents Jesus as the Messiah-Servant who will come to glory through the cross. The voice ends with a final admonition: “Listen to him!” As the heavenly voice speaks, Moses and Elijah disappear and only Jesus is left. This signifies that from now on only He will interpret the Scriptures and the will of God. He is the Word of God for the disciples: “Listen to him!”
The proclamation “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him” was very important for the community of the late 80s. Through this assertion God the Father confirmed the faith of Christians in Jesus as Son of God. In Jesus’ time, that is, in the 30s, the expressionSon of Man pointed to a very high dignity and mission. Jesus himself gave a relative meaning to the term by saying that all were children of God (cf. John 10:33-35). But for some the title Son of God became a resume of all titles, over one hundred that the first Christians gave Jesus in the second half of the first century. In succeeding centuries, it was the title of Son of God that the Church concentrated all its faith in the person of Jesus.
A voice is heard from the cloud that says: “This is my Son, the Chosen, listen to him”. With this same sentence the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed the Messiah-Servant (Is 42:1). First Moses and Elijah, now God himself presents Jesus as the Messiah-Servant who will come to glory through the cross. The voice ends with a final admonition: “Listen to him!” As the heavenly voice speaks, Moses and Elijah disappear and only Jesus is left. This signifies that from now on only He will interpret the Scriptures and the will of God. He is the Word of God for the disciples: “Listen to him!”
The proclamation “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him” was very important for the community of the late 80s. Through this assertion God the Father confirmed the faith of Christians in Jesus as Son of God. In Jesus’ time, that is, in the 30s, the expressionSon of Man pointed to a very high dignity and mission. Jesus himself gave a relative meaning to the term by saying that all were children of God (cf. John 10:33-35). But for some the title Son of God became a resume of all titles, over one hundred that the first Christians gave Jesus in the second half of the first century. In succeeding centuries, it was the title of Son of God that the Church concentrated all its faith in the person of Jesus.
c) A deepening:
i) The Transfiguration is told in three
of the Gospels: Matthew (Mt 17:1-9), Mark (Mk 9:2-8) and Luke (Lk 9:28-36).
This is a sign that this episode contained a very important message. As we
said, it was a matter of great help to Jesus, to his disciples and to the first
communities. It confirmed Jesus in his mission as Messiah-Servant. It helped
the disciples to overcome the crisis that the cross and suffering caused them.
It led the communities to deepen their faith in Jesus, Son of God, the One who
revealed the Father and who became the new key to the interpretation of the Law
and the Prophets. The Transfiguration continues to be of help in overcoming the
crisis that the cross and suffering provoke today. The three sleeping disciples
are a reflection of all of us. The voice of the Father is directed to us as it
was to them: “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him!”
ii) In Luke’s Gospel there is a great
similarity between the scene of the Transfiguration (Lk 9:28-36) and the scene
of the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives (Lk 22:39-46). We may note the
following: in both scenes Jesus goes up the mountain to pray and takes with him
three disciples, Peter, James and John. On both occasions, Jesus’ appearance is
transformed and he is transfigured before them; glorious at the
Transfiguration, perspiring blood in the Garden of Olives. Both times heavenly
figures appear to comfort him, Moses and Elijah and an angel from heaven. Both
in the Transfiguration and in the Agony, the disciples sleep, they seem to be
outside the event and they seem not to understand anything. At the end of both
episodes, Jesus is reunited with his disciples. Doubtless, Luke intended to
emphasise the resemblance between these two episodes. What would that be? It is
in meditating and praying that we shall succeed in understanding the meaning
that goes beyond words, and to perceive the intention of the author. The Holy
Spirit will guide us.
iii) Luke describes the Transfiguration.
There are times in our life when suffering is such that we might think: “God
has abandoned me! He is no longer with me!” And then suddenly we realise that
He has never deserted us, but that we had our eyes bandaged and were not aware
of the presence of God. Then everything is changed and transfigured. It is the
transfiguration! This happens every day in our lives.
6. Psalm 42 (41)
“My soul thirsts for the living God!”
As a hart longs for flowing streams,
so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love;
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
My soul is cast down within me,
therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan
and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love;
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that
has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit
enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your
Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but
also practise the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of
the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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