Working for the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: took Peter, James, and John; transfigured; my beloved Son; listen to him

To the point:  Peter, James, and John witness Jesus' transfiguration. But they themselves also undergo a transfiguration. Some change occurs within them so they are able to hear God's voice announcing Jesus' identity (“'beloved Son”) and the clear terms of their own discipleship (“listen to him”). Lent is meant to be our time of transfiguration. What change needs to occur in us so that we grasp the clear terms of our own discipleship? What change needs to occur in us so that we truly listen?

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the First Reading: Abraham obeyed God's command to sacrifice even his only son Isaac, and for that obedience God promised Abraham abundant blessings and countless descendants (which is to say, continued life through his offspring). Our own obedience to God (“listen to him”) brings us the blessing of life in Christ (see Second Reading), which is to say, eternal life.

… to experience: The pressures of life often keep us from taking the time to stop and listen—to each other, to ourselves, and to God. But only by taking the time to listen can we grow in our relationships, in our quality of life, in self-understanding, and in discipleship.

**From Saint Louis University