Second Sunday of Lent: 12 March 2017

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Holy God, from the dazzling cloud you revealed Jesus in glory as your beloved Son. During these forty days enlighten your people with the bright glory of your presence. Inspire us by your word and so transform us into the image of the risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
__________

Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
__________

Prayer:

Holy God – Father, Son and Spirit – reveal your glory to me today that I may be comforted by your touch and challenged by your word spoken to me.

+ Draw me close to you in worship – that I may be dazzled by your presence.
+ Open my eyes to the reality of your holiness – that I may be terrified by my unworthiness.
+ Touch my heart, my soul, my lips – that I may be purified and cleansed of my sin.
+ Renew my mind and transform my will – that I may trust you completely and obey you in all things.
+ Remake me and mold me in your image – that you may abide in me and I in you for ever.

Holy God – show me your glory that I may be shocked and awed by your presence. Then send me out with boldness and confidence to love and serve you in this upside down world. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________

“Show Me Your Glory” – Jesus Culture

__________

Closing:

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” – Isaiah 49:1-4

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
_________

Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017