The account of the transfiguration of Jesus (17:1-9) is read on the Second Sunday of Lent each year. This event provides a glimpse of divine confirmation of Jesus’ messiahship to help give solid foundation to his self-revelation as crucified servant of God. The remainder of the chapter focuses on the mystery of the cross and Jesus’ relation to the forces of evil (vv 14-21) and the to the powers of the world (vv 24-27).

Chapter 18 concerns the attitude of Christ’s followers toward one another, particularly as regards the area of sin and weakness. Vv 1-3 set the tone by commanding humility; 5-11 emphasize that sin itself is to have no place in our lives, and must be rooted out ruthlessly. However, our attitude toward sinners themselves must be characterized only by pardon. The sinner should not be left in the cold, but actively sought out with love and brought back (vv 12-14).

Vv 15-18 give the practical method for doing this. The community of Christ’s people has the power to pardon (v 18 — the same words given to Peter in 16:19), and this power comes through prayer in common (vv 19-20). The only acceptable attitude of the injured party in a conflict is a desire to pardon without limit (vv 21-22), and the motive for pardoning looks to our own final judgment: we can expect to be forgiven only to the extent we are willing to forgive (vv 23-35).

Thus the Church’s power of judgment and the way it is carried out, the subject of today’s reading, must be aimed only at securing the acceptance of pardon. The only truly unforgivable sin is the refusal to be forgiven.

God doesn’t give his word to the prophet just for his own edification. God’s gift brings with it a responsibility to look after the welfare of others. This passage shows the extent of this responsibility.

The prophet in each of us must have the courage to challenge the evil around us — our own salvation, as well as the salvation of the world, depends on our response to this prophetic call more than on any outward signs of success.

This psalm begins with an invitation to praise, but warns in strong terms derived from history that we must be open to God fully. Response: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Paul has just advised his readers that they must obey laws and legitimate authority, not merely out of fear of punishment but because that is what is right (v 5). The way of love does not replace law, but rather fulfills it. The motive is genuine love of the other person whose rights the law is intended to protect, rather than any fear of punishment. Vv 11-14, which continue this reading, are found on the First Sunday of Advent, Year A.

1. What does the power of "binding and loosing" have to do with your personal obligation to forgive those who have offended you?

2. "Love and do whatever you will." Do you agree or disagree? Why?