All the readings of the Sundays in Lent for Cycle A have particular significance in the preparation of the Elect for baptism. In the primitive Church, as well as in the recently restored liturgy, Easter is the special time for the baptism of adults, and Lent is the period of final and intensive preparation. For those who are already Christians, Lent should be a time when we become more aware of our baptismal calling, and get ready to renew our baptismal commitment along with the newly initiated at Easter. The transfiguration of Jesus describes in strikingly symbolic terms the awareness of Jesus’ disciples of the true nature of his mission — not to be an earthly hero-messiah, but to be the source of final and eternal salvation to those who believe in him. The victory over the anti-mission temptations of last week’s Gospel is here communicated to the disciples in a vision which looks forward to Jesus’ final enthronement in glory.

The other Synoptic Gospels relate this same event with minor changes in wording (Mk 9:1-7; Lk 9:28-36). These variations indicate the particular emphasis each evangelist gives to the meaning of the event. In Matthew’s narrative here, Jesus is portrayed as the new Moses. Writing for Jewish Christians, Matthew wanted to convince them that the law of Moses had been completed by the law of Christ. Details added by Matthew recall Moses on Mount Sinai: (v 1) six days later — Ex 24:15-16; (v 2) the radiance of Christ’s face — Ex 34:29-35; (v 3) Moses is mentioned before Elijah. Also the voice from the cloud and the command of the Father recall the giving of the law to Moses on the mountain. Following upon the disciples’ awareness of the true meaning and mission of Christ, there is only one obligation: "Listen to him!"

Abram came originally from Ur in the Chaldean land, present-day Iraq. It was then an extremely fertile area, and had one of the most advanced cultures of the day (17th century B.C.E.). Abram, the Father of the Israelite people, was called out of paganism to be the founder of a people faithful to the One True God.

Abram’s name is significant: one whose father (Ab) is great (ram). God’s call to him was to leave the greatness of his father’s house, and to establish an even greater house. Thus, greatness is the theme of this blessing. This surpassing greatness of his descendants was fulfilled in the mission of Christ, to bring all peoples to share in God’s glory.

This psalm gives voice to the loving and trusting response of one who has heard and answered God’s call. Response: "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."

God’s call is put in terms appropriate to second generation Christians, living a settled life in community under the leadership of an "overseer" (bishop = episcopos in Greek = one who watches over). This call, which echoes the one to Abram, is not to a new land or a new people, but to a new life — a life made possible because Jesus has conquered death and holds out saving grace to all people.

1. Why did Jesus resist Peter’s desire to stay on the mountaintop? What does that say to our own desire to settle down and to stop growing?

2. How does God’s favor transform us? And transform the world through us?