Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, the Gospel invites us to climb a mountain to witness a moment of divine revelation. Jesus takes three of his disciples with him – Peter, John, and James. While praying, he is transfigured – his face shining like the sun, his clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, speaking of his coming passion and death. A cloud overshadows them, and a voice from heaven declares: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” In this radiant vision, we see the real glory of Jesus, a glory that transcends the cross. It is also a promise to sustain us through Lent’s challenges.
Lent is a time of transformation, an invitation to climb higher in faith and draw closer to God. On the mountain, Jesus reveals his true identity – not just a teacher or prophet, but the Son of God. Like the disciples, we are called to see beyond the ordinary, to recognize God’s presence in our lives. In the Old Testament, Moses, representing the Law, met God on Sinai, his face glowing from the encounter. Elijah, embodying the Prophets, heard God’s voice on Horeb, guiding him forward. Now, in Christ, we are invited to this same sacred ground – not out of duty, but to rediscover the hope that carries us toward Easter.
The Transfiguration reveals various truths for our Lenten journey. The disciples witness this miracle as Jesus prays, reminding us that prayer opens our eyes to God’s light. In our busy lives, we often rush past stillness, filling silence with noise. Lent challenges us to pause, to seek God’s face, and to let his presence transform us from within. True beauty is found not in fleeting moments, but in communion with the One who shines eternally. The presence of Moses and Elijah points to the fulfillment of God’s plan. They speak about Jesus’ suffering and death – revealing that glory is inseparable from the cross. We, too, face our own struggles: fears, doubts, and sacrifices. Lent reminds us that the path to resurrection lies through surrender, trusting that God weaves even our trials into his saving work. Jesus, radiant in glory yet resolved to suffer, shows us that true strength flows from obedience to the Father’s will.
Finally, the Father’s voice calls us to listen. Peter, overwhelmed, wants to build tents, to stay in the moment. But God redirects him: “Listen to him.” We, too, can cling to our plans, demanding life unfold on our terms. Faith, however, asks us to hear Christ’s voice – above our clamor, above our fears. Lent invites us to tune our hearts to his words, to trust his guidance even when the way grows steep.
Our life journey is not without struggle, but we do not climb alone. The same Jesus who shone on the mountain walks with us, his light piercing our darkness. We are joined by the Church, a community of pilgrims stretching across the globe. Every step in prayer, every act of sacrifice, draws us nearer to God. The mountain is not our final stop; it points us toward Easter’s triumph.
The Transfiguration is not just a past event; it is a promise of what we can become in him. Jesus descended the mountain to face the cross, emerging victorious to redeem us. We, too, can descend from our moments of grace, renewed to share his light with the world. Let us pray by lifting our hearts to God, seeking his voice in silence. Let us fast not just from food, but from distractions, pride, or anything that dims God’s glory in us. Let us also be generous with our compassion, and thus climb this Lenten path, trusting that at its end, the radiance of Easter dawns.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil