Blog

Each year on the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert.  On the second Sunday of Lent each year, we hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.  The word transfiguration is defined as “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state”.  In this case, Jesus leads Peter, James and John up a high mountain and appears to them in radiant glory.  The Gospel states that, “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white.”  This is where the light of God shines through him.  It is here, before his three disciples, that Jesus is claimed by God, “This is my son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

We are now the second Sunday in Lent.  After listening to last week’s Gospel and now today’s, I have to ask myself what these mean in my own life.  I liken last Sunday’s Gospel to any new change.  It’s no wonder we always hear this one first. Jesus is tempted.  Any time anyone tries to make a change, isn’t that always the way? Try out a new diet or exercise program and it seems like everyone’s birthday is popping up and you’re tempted with sweets and cake!  It’s normal. Look at today.  There’s a transformation.  Well, now that we’re a week and a half into the season, we’ve got our groove on!  We’re starting to get comfortable with the change (or changes) that we’ve implemented.  So here is where we start to transform. That’s the purpose for Lent.  We are transforming and preparing to receive Jesus when He is resurrected.  So how are we transforming?  How is this all taking place?  It’s simple.  The readings invite us (or challenge us) to transform by listening to Jesus, listening to all that he invites us to be and to do, however much it may seem to go against the grain.  We’re invited to join forces with the grace of God and the Holy Spirit to transform our lives.  It means having a total trust in walking His way, a total trust that only His way brings me into full union with God, the source of all Truth, Love, Happiness and Peace. I love the Season of Lent.  It allows me to look at my life and figure out where I want to change and grow.  It’s my New Year’s Eve. I  like to look at my life through a microscope and see where I’ve been and evaluate if I’m really working towards my Godly purpose or if I’m even living a Godly purposeful life.  Sadly, I know I fall short, but that’s the beauty of it isn’t it?  It’s in the failure that we grow.  Today, we’re asked (or challenged, depending on how you see it) to transform our lives during this Lenten Season and put our faith in God and allow Him to work with us and through us. Our transformation takes place through our victory over the trials and tribulations of life.  Every challenge, every difficulty, is an opportunity for transformation and spiritual growth, so that we may shine radiantly with His love, grace and glory, so that we may go out and spread this radiance with our Spirit-filled lives. I wish you all a happy transformation.

Katy Mahoney