Light of Hope

~~~ Second Sunday of Lent ~~~

~~~ Genesis 12:1-4A ~~~ Psalm 33 ~~~ 

~~~ 2 Timothy 1:8B-10 ~~~ Matthew 17:1-9 ~~~

Jesus called Peter, James, and John to follow him.

They had no idea that when they followed him

 up this mountain they would be stunned 

by what happened to their leader.

They climbed the mountain to witness 

the blinding light of the divine glory of Jesus.

...he was transfigured before them; 

his face shone like the sun 

and his clothes became white as light.

They were given a glimpse of heaven.

God also sent down Moses and Elijah.

Moses, chosen by God to lead the people to the promised land.

Elijah, one of the greatest Jewish prophets.

When we look at the sun our vision is greatly effected.

You might call it a sunburn of the eyeball.

If the sun is brightly shining in your face you instinctively

 want to protect your eyes from the light.

The human eye is very sensitive to bright light.

During the Transfiguration the face of Jesus 

was as bright as the sun.

The three apostles with Jesus must have initially reacted 

by turning away or covering their eyes.

Subsequently they saw a dark cloud...

heard the voice of God and succumbed to fear.

Jesus immediately responds to their reaction.

He comes to them...

Jesus came and touched them, saying,

"Rise, and do not be afraid."

When we take our last breath many people

 have reported seeing a bright light.

This bright light seems to be an invitation to come closer.

If this is the light from the face of God

 it might explain why there is an experience

 of peace and not fear.

The Transfiguration gives us hope.

"Do not tell the vision to anyone 

until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Let this second week of Lent

bring you closer to realizing that Jesus 

will never leave you or abandon you.

The Transfiguration is the Light of Hope.

~~~ Blessings & Peace ~~~