What does the word transfiguration really mean? The dictionary defines it as “a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances.” But have you ever actually used that word in everyday conversation? If you said your friend or spouse was “transfigured” when stepping out of the hair salon, would that sound like a compliment – or just confusing? In ordinary usage, transfiguration is a word we almost never use. In fact, we usually apply it to only one person: Jesus Christ.

The Second Sunday of Lent focuses on the Transfiguration of Jesus – when human nature meets God, when the temporal meets the eternal. For the disciples, this experience strengthened their faith and prepared them for the suffering and death their Master would soon endure. For us, it serves as a glimpse of the resurrection glory that awaits us at the end of our own life’s journey. Let’s look briefly at today’s readings.

In the First Reading from Genesis, God says to Abram: Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you… All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.

God calls Abram out of what is familiar and comfortable and into an unknown future, promising blessing and greatness. Faith begins with trust.

In the Second Letter to Timothy, we hear: He saved us and called us to a holy life… through Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. God calls us not because of our merits, but because of his grace – and with the promise of life beyond death.

Finally, in the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain. They encounter Moses and Elijah, and God speaks: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Overwhelmed, the disciples fall to the ground in fear. But Jesus touches them and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Lent is our invitation to climb the mountain to face challenge, fear, and self-examination – and to discover who Jesus truly is.

We may feel unworthy or afraid in God’s presence, but Jesus meets us in our humanity, touches us, and invites us to rise. This Lent, let us allow ourselves to be transformed by Christ. How? God gives us the answer in three simple words: “Listen to him.”

OCP

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