The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent often recounts the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where He appears in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah on a mountaintop, with Peter, James, and John witnessing this divine moment (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, or Luke 9:28-36, depending on the cycle). Let’s reflect on this profound event in the light of our own lives.
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Today, we are invited to journey with Peter, James, and John up the mountain to witness a moment of awe and mystery—the Transfiguration. In this moment, Jesus reveals His divine glory, a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. It is a mountaintop experience, a moment of clarity and hope that prepares the disciples for the trials to come.
We, too, have our mountaintop moments in life. Perhaps it was the birth of a child, a moment of deep connection with a loved one, or an experience where we felt God’s presence so vividly. These moments lift us out of the ordinary and remind us of the divine glory that awaits. But just as the disciples had to descend the mountain and face the challenges of the valley, so must we.
Let me share a story. There was a young woman named Sarah who had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. After years of hard work and sacrifice, she finally graduated medical school. As she stood on the stage to receive her diploma, she felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment—a mountaintop moment. But soon after, she faced the challenges of long hours, difficult patients, and moments of doubt. In those valley moments, she drew strength from her mountaintop experience, remembering why she began her journey and the hope that carried her forward.
Similarly, our faith journey is filled with highs and lows. The Transfiguration reminds us that God gives us moments of grace to sustain us in times of trial. Peter’s desire to build tents and stay on the mountaintop resonates with us—we long to hold on to those moments of joy and peace. Yet, Jesus calls us to move forward, trusting that He is with us in both the heights and the depths.
As we continue through Lent, let us open our hearts to encounter God in our daily lives. Let us cherish the moments of grace and carry their light into the valleys we face. And let us remember that the glory of the Transfiguration is a foretaste of the resurrection—a promise that no matter how dark the valley, the light of Christ will always shine through.