The reading about Jesus’ Transfiguration in the Gospel of today’s mass contains several elements which will help us in our Lenten reflections. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James and John, ascends the mountain. 

 

Suddenly, “he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” Then, Moses and Elijah appeared with him. Peter reacted by telling Jesus: “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” They became enveloped in the splendor of the transfiguration and did not want to leave the place.”

 

Their reaction was normal, for they had witnessed something completely new. Jesus, their master and leader, suddenly had assumed a new aspect. For them, Jesus is now not only their teacher and preacher. Now, they hear the very voice of God, saying: “This is my beloved Son, my chosen one: Listen to him.” Jesus was revealed to them as he really is: the Son of God.

 

Peter, James and John had several experiences of transformation. Remember Peter’s history. He was one of Jesus’ most faithful friends. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was asked three times if he was associated with Jesus, and he denied ever having known him. After the Resurrection, Jesus pardoned Peter for his lack of courage and made him the head of the Christian community, the Church. “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.”

 

The Transfiguration of Jesus makes us more aware of our own calling by Jesus. How have we responded? How have we changed in the past year? In the past ten years of our lives? Have we grown in our faith, in our knowledge of God and of God’s Word? Have we grown in faith and hope and charity? In prudence and self-esteem? As husbands and wives? As persons?

 

Have we changed in regard to our faith? Do we believe in God the same way as we did before? Do we have the same idea of the Church as we had  before? Do I have the same idea of what it means to be a follower of Christ?

 

How have I grown in knowledge? Am I more aware  of what happens in my family, my parish, my Church, my community than before? What do I now know and understand that I didn’t know or understand before?

 

Have my sentiments and emotions changed in the past several years? Do I feel stronger or weaker? Am I more or less able to confront my problems? Is my self esteem greater or less now?

 

How have my attitudes toward different things changed? Do I now have more patience now or less? What changes in my self do I want to make in the future? What do I want to learn to do better? Which os my attitudes do I wish to change? How will I go about doing this? What must I do to grow in my faith?

 

In our community here at St. Pius V our motto for Lent is: We are family striving for peace in Christ. We cannot have peace if we do not see with eyes of faith. Lent is a special time in which Jesus calls and invites us to accept his invitation.