Commentary on the Gospel of
Why do we have the Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus right now that we are at the beginning of the Lenten journey? Because it reminds us that we are walking towards the Paschal Mystery, which will be accomplished with the Resurrection of Jesus and with the gift of the Spirit to the Twelve.
Even Paul in the Second Reading helps us to give meaning to the Mystery of the Transfiguration when he affirms that Jesus Christ is the Grace received from eternity, but revealed to us only now.
Peter, James and John, on the mountain, have a strong experience that will lead them to testify that Jesus is the Christ, but for the moment they are not yet capable of it. We will see, in fact, how Peter will put his hand to the sword to defend Jesus, showing that he has understood nothing of the teaching of Jesus. Not only that, taken by fear, he will deny the Master and the other disciples will disperse. Peter's experience is comparable to the iron that is in the forge. It does not take shape with a single hammer, but needs more hits. As for Peter, for us in this time of Lent, the story of the Transfiguration warms our hearts and prepares us to experience Easter.
