During cycle A of the readings (St Matthew’s Gospel) the Lent Sundays focus in a special way on those preparing for Baptism at Easter and on certain Sundays there are special prayers and blessings that may be used for them.  Today’s first reading sets before us Abraham’s journey –setting out into the unknown on the basis of a promise from God.  The Gospel is the story of the Transfiguration – enlightenment as to who Jesus really is.  In his Lenten message for 2011 Pope Benedict said, "The Gospel of the Transfiguration of the Lord puts before our eyes the glory of Christ, which anticipates the resurrection and announces the divinization of man.  The Christian community becomes aware that Jesus leads it, like the Apostles Peter, James and John 'up a high mountain by themselves' (Matthew 17:1), to receive once again in Christ, as sons and daughters in the Son, the gift of the Grace of God: 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.' It is the invitation to take a distance from the noisiness of everyday life in order to immerse oneself in God's presence. He desires to hand down to us, each day, a Word that penetrates the depths of our spirit, where we discern good from evil (cf. Hebrews 4:12], reinforcing our will to follow the Lord."