What does the word transfiguration really mean? The dictionary defines it as “a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances.” But have you ever actually used that word in everyday conversation? If you said your friend or spouse was “transfigured” when stepping out of the hair salon, would that sound like a compliment – or just confusing?
In ordinary usage, transfiguration is a word we almost never use. In fact, we usually apply it to only one person: Jesus Christ.
The Second Sunday of Lent focuses on the Transfiguration of Jesus – when human nature meets God, when the temporal meets the eternal. For the disciples, this experience strengthened their faith and prepared them for the suffering and death their Master would soon endure. For us, it serves as a glimpse of the resurrection glory that awaits us at the end of our own life’s journey. Let’s look briefly at today’s readings.
In the First Reading from Genesis, God says to Abram:
Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you… All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.
God calls Abram out of what is familiar and comfortable and into an unknown future, promising blessing and greatness. Faith begins with trust.
In the Second Letter to Timothy, we hear:
He saved us and called us to a holy life… through Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
God calls us not because of our merits, but because of his grace – and with the promise of life beyond death.
Finally, in the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain. They encounter Moses and Elijah, and God speaks:
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
Overwhelmed, the disciples fall to the ground in fear. But Jesus touches them and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”
Lent is our invitation to climb the mountain to face challenge, fear, and self-examination – and to discover who Jesus truly is. We may feel unworthy or afraid in God’s presence, but Jesus meets us in our humanity, touches us, and invites us to rise.
This Lent, let us allow ourselves to be transformed by Christ. How? God gives us the answer in three simple words: “Listen to him.”
2nd Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon Of You My Heart Has Spoken [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #68
Antiphon Option 1is from Psalm 27 and pertains so much to the transfiguration story: “Of you my heart has spoken. Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me.”
Entrance Chant Christ in Me Arise (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #278; or Breaking Bread #512
This is Trevor Thomson’s meditative reflection on Jesus that underscores the teachings of his transfiguration: “Be now my vision; open these eyes, showing me all that I must see. Christ in me arise and I shall rise with you.”
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Let Your Mercy Be on Us (Scott Soper)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 100
Scott Soper offers a gentle verbatim setting of Psalm 33 that is in response to Abram’s call in the First Reading.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 102
The acclamation text from Matthew 17 exhorts us to listen attentively as the Gospel is proclaimed.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Lead Us to the Cross (Chris Muglia)
Let us keep in mind that our Lenten pilgrimage is a journey to the Cross. You will find the sheet music for Chris Muglia’s thought-provoking ballad in the link above.
2nd Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon This Is My Beloved Son (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #70
This antiphon is a direct quote from today’s Gospel. The cantor or a small group could sing it quietly several times as the ministers receive the Eucharist. The Communion Chant then follows to support the congregation’s procession to the altar.
Communion Chant Transfigure Us, O Lord (Bob Hurd)
Breaking Bread #503
Bob Hurd’s “Transfigure Us, O Lord” is a rare song composed for the celebration of the Transfigurations of Christ. The refrain is easily learned and serves the Communion procession well.
Sending Forth Mountain of God (Dan Brennan, Marc Cavallero and Ken Canedo)
Never Too Young #286
This is one of Ken’s older songs that he composed in the 1990s with his youth choir musicians specifically for the Second Sunday of Lent. It was recorded for the Love Never Fails collection by Jesse and Ken. You can order the manuscript in the link above.
Sending Forth [Alternative] You Are the Light (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #468
If you are unable to access the sheet music for “Mountain of God,” here is an alternative song. “You Are the Light” is Sarah Hart’s uplifting prayer that looks to Christ as the one who lights our path to God.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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