Sunday before Lent. Year A 19th February 2023
Lectionary Readings: Exodus 24 v12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1 v16-21; Matthew 17 v1-9.
Understanding, guided by the Spirit of God.
Peter said,“But you need to realise that no one alone can understand the prophecies in the Scriptures. The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God.” (2 Peter 1 v20, 21).
Peter wrote these words, after the death and resurrection of Jesus and after the day of Pentecost, the day when he and many others were blessed with the Holy Spirit. Peter now understood why Jesus did not want the three disciples (Peter, James and John) who witnessed the ‘Transfiguration’ to speak of the event until they understood its significance for themselves and all who put their faith in Jesus.
Peter wrote with the authority of an eye witness, “When we told you about the power and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling clever stories that someone made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness.” (2 Peter 1 v16). Peter is referring to the events recorded in today’s gospel reading. (see Matthew 17 v1-9).
“God, our great and wonderful Father, truly honoured him by saying, “This is my own dear Son and I am pleased with him.” We were there with Jesus on the Holy mountain and heard his voice speak from heaven.”(2 Peter 1 v17, 18). God’s voice is heard, using the same words as he did at the baptism of Jesus.
“All this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message.” (2 Peter 1 v19a).
Peter and Matthew along with other followers of Jesus were beginning to read the Hebrew scriptures with new insight. Puzzling references such as Psalm 2 v7 and Malachi 3 v1-4, 4 v1-6 and the prophecies of Isaiah, 42 v1-4, 52 v13-53 v12, made them realise that God had prepared the people for the coming of Jesus. But they had not understood or recognised Jesus as their saviour until now. Peter acknowledged that this new insight wasn’t just the benefit of hindsight, but the work of the Holy Spirit within them.
Hymn writer Brian Foley speaks of the gift and work of the Holy Spirit with these words;
(Singing the Faith 382).
Holy Spirit, come confirm us in the truth that Christ makes known;
we have faith and understanding through your helping gifts alone.
Holy Spirit, come, console us, come as Advocate to plead;
loving Spirit from the Father, grant in Christ the help we need.
Holy Spirit, come, renew us, come yourself to make us live:
holy through your loving presence, holy through the gifts you give.
Holy Spirit, come, possess us, you the love of Three in One,
Holy Spirit of the Father, Holy Spirit of the Son.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.