SALFORD DIOCESE OFFICE FOR LITURGY

"As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed."

The Word This Week

Every year, on the Second Sunday of Lent, we hear about the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top. Why? Jesus revealed his glory to the three apostles in order to strengthen them for the journey ahead - the journey to Jerusalem, Gethse­mane and Golgotha. The same vision is today offered to us, to strengthen us in our Lenten Journey of Faith. Last week we heard about tempta­tion: this week we are driven onwards by a vision of glory that will be ours - the goal of our lives of faith and all that we do as Christians. The transfiguration represents the final destination of our lives, if we are faithful in resisting temptation and living each day as faithful members of Jesus Christ. In our journey of renewal and new commit­ment through Lent, we are spurred on and encouraged by today's vision to see why the effort is worth it.

Notes for Readers

First Reading: Genesis 15:5-12.17-18.

Each year, in the first readings, we "revise" the story of God's love. Today we go right back to the begin­ning, with the call of Abram. This read­ing is all about Abram's future, promised him by God Gust as the other readings talk about our future inheri­tance). This is a very dramatic reading ­especially in the last paragraph, where it is as though the easy informality of God's conversation with Abram gives way to a vision of majesty and power as the Covenant (= pact or agreement) is made. Capture this drama in the way you read - practice different pauses and tone to achieve the best effect - to make people listen to you. Underline each promise God makes - read them with a solemnity which helps people realise their importance.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1

We have heard about the "homeland" promised to Abram by God, and now we hear about our "Promised Land" - heaven. If you are reading the longer ver­sion, then the first part is by way of introduction: it will strike a chord with us in Lent, as we try and avoid sin, and try not to depend on earthly things. All this part is a prelude to the part of the reading which appears as the" shorter form". This section links obviously with the Gospel explaining that the Transfig­uration of Jesus is a sign offered to en­courage us - that our bodies will be changed as his was. This is our encour­agement to "remain faithful in the Lord" - to keep going through Lent. So this reading is the key to today's liturgy: proclaim it with an awareness of its importance.

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