Today is the Second Sunday of Lent. This period in the Church’s liturgical calendar is a time given to all followers of Christ to pause, reflect, and examine our relationship with the Lord and with one another. Many Catholics will avail themselves of this opportune time to attend and participate in retreats and recollections. Some will simply spend some quiet time for personal meditation. Truly, Lent gives us a chance to look back at our past and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and mission.

Last Sunday, we reflected on the Temptation of Jesus and His courage and determination to obey the will of the Lord in spite of the allurements of the evil one. Today, the Church invites us to reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. According to some theologians, the Transfiguration event gives us already a preview of the glory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor is one of the “peak” moments in the life of the Lord. The Father of Jesus was heard saying: “This is my Son, my Chosen One, listen to Him!” (cf. Luke 9:35b) It was not only an assurance of the love from His Father. It is also an invitation for us to follow the teachings and the ways of Jesus the Christ.

That event was not only a peak moment for Jesus but also for the three disciples who witnessed Jesus’ change in appearance. For Peter, James, and John, they would rather stay there for the rest of their lives – “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for You and one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33). But Jesus did not give in to their request but instead told them not to mention what they had witnessed to the other disciples.

We all have our “peak” spiritual moments. We all have our “transfiguration moments” in our lives. When we experience this, there is a great temptation not to go back to the real world. For many of us, we would rather stay in our comfort zones. These comfort zones may be a retreat or recollection experience. It may be our deep personal communion with God. But like Jesus, we must be ready to “go down” to the real world and live what we have experienced during these “peak moments” in our lives.

May the Transfiguration of Jesus encourage us to live our mission on earth as true messengers of hope in our world. May it inspire us to be true disciples of Jesus so that we, too, may be glorified by the Father, and share in His resurrection.