Second Sunday of Lent

Dear friends in Christ

The Gospel of this Sunday—the Transfiguration—shows us a huge contrast between the glorified Jesus on the mountain and the conversation He had with the disciples when He came down the mountain. On the mountain, Peter, James and John saw Him transformed, in His glory. When they came down the mountain, they see simply Jesus their friend. In fact, the conversation was then not about glory but about suffering and death. This moment in the life of Jesus and the disciples reflects in a touching way something of the course of our own lives as human beings and followers of Jesus Christ. We all experience light and darkness in our lives. There will always be moments when we feel close to God and experience His presence; other times we will be struggling as we face challenges. It can often feel like light and dark in contrast. The most important thing we have to remember is that God was present with Jesus His Son on the hill of Calvary as much as He was present to him on the mount of Transfiguration! God is always there, whatever we are going through.

As we continue in Lent, and perhaps some issues in our lives come to light or are seen under the microscope of grace, we can think of this moment in the Gospel, and be reassured that the disciples would have felt much as we do. Sometimes God is very evident to us, at other times He may seem distant. What is vital is that we hold-on to the moments of transfiguration.

God bless you as we continue our Lenten pilgrimage!

Msgr Kevin Hale