The Transfiguration shows that Jesus alone guides us, Pope Benedict teaches

Vatican City, Feb 28, 2010 / 09:43 am

Before the Angelus on the second Sunday of Lent, the Holy Father spoke about the Transfiguration. He explained that through the lessons in Sunday's readings we are taught that Jesus alone guides us.

Speaking from his apartment window high above St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that while Luke does not refer to the occasion specifically as a "transfiguration," he describes the events and notes the changes in Jesus and the radiance of his garments. At the event, Moses and Elijah accompanied Jesus as symbols of the Law and the Prophets.

Peter, James and John fought off sleep during the event, which the pontiff said exhibited their lack of comprehension. But when they woke, Moses and Elijah parted from Jesus' side and were covered by a cloud while Peter spoke.

This cloud "reveals the glory of God," said the Holy Father, adding this had also happened to the Hebrew pilgrims in the desert.

"The eyes can no longer see, but the ears can hear the voice that comes from the cloud: 'This is my beloved son. Listen to him!'"

At this point in the Gospel, noted the Holy Father, everything returned to normal and the three apostles found themselves before Jesus alone.

"Jesus is alone before his Father, while he prays, but, at the same time, 'Jesus alone' is everything that is given to the disciples and to the Church of all time: and that which must be enough on the path," said Pope Benedict.

"He is the only voice to listen to, the only one to follow," said the Pope, "he that, going up towards Jerusalem, will give his life and one day 'will transfigure our lowly body to conform with his glorified body.'"

The pontiff explained that in Peter's words, "Master, it is good that we are here," is seen a similarity to our own desire for consolation from the Lord. But, he added, "the Transfiguration reminds us that the joys spread by God through our lives are not starting points, but lights that He gives us in the earthly pilgrimage, so that 'Jesus alone' might be our Law and his Word might be the criterion that guides our existence."

The Holy Father closed his words before the Angelus inviting all people to meditate on the Gospel.  He also expressed his wish that all "in this Year for Priests Pastors are truly penetrated by the Word of God," knowing it and loving it so it might guide their lives and form their thought.

After the Angelus the Holy Father remembered the victims of violence in Iraq and called for authorities to protect religious minorities in the country. He also prayed for "relief from suffering” and courage for those hit by an earthquake in Chile on Saturday.