This is more of a sketch than a reflection on today's scripture readings. Unlike Ordinary Time, during Lent, there is an intent in the lectionary for all the readings to cohere. In other words, the second reading does not have its own theme but is chosen to enhance what is set forth in the Gospel and the reading from the Hebrew Scriptures.
I mention this about the lectionary not to be academic or pedantic but because I see some who preach work so hard to explain the scriptures using all kinds of devices. During Lent and Advent as well as Christmas and Easter all the Sunday lectionary readings are selected to work together. I hope below I can kind of demonstrate what I mean.
I will start by noting that our reading from Genesis is what transfiguration looks like in real life. Our reading from 2 Timothy is about how transfiguration happens. In the Gospel, rather than leaving his followers groveling on the ground, Jesus touches them and, as he does so often, tells them to get up and not be afraid. This, too, is how transfiguration happens. It's important to note that Lent isn't about having a good grovel. Jesus loves you too much to want you to do that!
The Greek word translated as "transfigured" is recognizable to us; it is the proper form of the word metamorphosis. This word doesn't so much mean turning into something you're not as it is about transcending, or going beyond, your current form. In Christian terms, it is about becoming who God made and redeemed you to be. You are made and redeemed to be like Jesus Christ. This becoming is called sanctification. I would point out that to be like someone is not to be identical to that person. Aren't there people you know who you want to be more like? This is not the same as wanting to be her/him.
As the Second Vatican Council's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes) teaches, it is Christ who "fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear." "The Christian... conformed to the likeness of that Son Who is the firstborn of many brothers," the constitution continues, "received 'the first-fruits of the Spirit' (Rom. 8:23) by which [s/]he becomes capable of discharging the new law of love" (sec. 22).
It is no small thing when, after seeing things in kairos time, which is how God sees things- with God past, present, and future are simultaneously present (this why/how Peter, James, and John were able to see Jesus with Moses and Elijah) "they saw no one else but Jesus alone." It is Christ alone who restores our likeness to God, which is lost through sin. Jesus Christ not only affects the metamorphosis the Christian is to undergo, but he is also the form into which s/he is to be changed.
As the story of Abram (who became father Abraham) shows, this transfiguration, this conversion, is a journey. It takes time. It takes movement both human and divine. Eugene Peterson described Christian discipleship as "a long obedience in the same direction." Like Abram, we must respond to God's initiative. This response is faith.
As our reading from 2 Timothy teaches us, this conversion is accomplished by bearing "your share of hardship for the Gospel." What else does Jesus mean when he insists that anyone who follows him must pick up his/her cross?
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