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Meditation from Father John
March 1, 2026
This week, on the second Sunday of Lent, we read from St. Matthew’s Gospel which describes the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, up Mount Tabor, and He was transfigured before them.
His Glory was shown before them, and He appeared with Moses and Elijah. This may seem like an unusual Gospel passage to read during the season of Lent, especially considering that last week we read from the Gospel passage describing the temptation of Jesus in the desert. However, in reading from the Gospel passage mentioning the Transfiguration of Christ, the Church reminds us of the reason we desire to enter into Lent and why we seek to overcome sin and temptation. We do so not for its own sake, but to obtain the eternal destiny for which we were created.
Resisting temptation and growing in faith is not possible without increased prayer and penance. During Lent, learn to choose the good and avoid evil by growing in self discipline and integrity. In reading from the Transfiguration this week, we recall that we are not called to ascetical practices for their own sake, but for the sake of learning to focus on that which is truly important, our relationship and devotion to God. Jesus took His core Apostles up Mount Tabor and revealed His Glory to them to strengthen them for His coming Passion. He knows that they will be tested in the weeks ahead and provides them with this experience of His Glory. Similarly, as we begin this journey of Lent, the Church reminds us of the Glory and the Joy to which we are called, a Joy and Glory which knows no end. May we not become discouraged or distracted but always keep before our eyes the eternal destiny to which we are called.
St. Paul mentions in his Second Letter to Timothy this week, “Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began…” (2 Timothy 1:8b-10) In the coming weeks, may we view the Lenten practices which we have chosen, not as burdens but as avenues for growing closer to Christ. May we not take upon ourselves unnecessary burdens, but seek out those things which truly draw us closer to Christ and help us to become the person He created us to be.
Lent is about ridding our lives of whatever might be hindering our deepening relationship with Jesus. This is not limited to material goods, but also includes relationships, the use of our time and different attitudes or ways of thinking to which we have become accustomed. Following the voice of God the Father in the Gospel this week, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him,” (Matthew 17:5) may we not grow weary, but allow this Lenten season to be a time of renewal and growth. By listening to the voice of Christ speaking to us through Sacred Scripture and by listening to what the Holy Spirit stirs within us during times of prayer, may we come to an ever deepening knowledge of God’s will for us and of His presence with us. May we not become discouraged but learn to recognize Christ’s presence and action in our lives in an ever deepening way. May we allow Jesus to speak to our hearts so that they can be converted and transformed, so that when we finally do come to our ultimate end, we may hear the voice of the Father speaking to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:23)
Father John