Today we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent. As Catholics, tradition has taught us that the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving is preparing us for the way of the Lord. During this 40-day period we take time to reflect on Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, but what does it mean to be transformed into Christ? The word transform has a few different meanings. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word transform means to “make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of”, or the simple meaning of “the product of a transformation”. "We hear the word 'transform' often, especially around New Year’s when people set resolutions to transform their appearance or lifestyle. But Lent calls us to a much deeper transformation—a spiritual transformation, one that draws us closer to Christ. As we see in today’s Gospel, we hear about the Transfiguration, when Jesus, with His disciples, went up a mountain and revealed a glimpse of His divine glory. In that moment Jesus reminded us of His true identity as the son of God. If the Transfiguration happened today, I believe that Jesus’s message would be one of strength and hope to each of us as we navigate the challenges not only of our Lenten journey, but our everyday life. Jesus is a source of encouragement to each of us to trust in God’s love and remain steadfast in our faith despite hardships of war, poverty, hunger, political unrest, disease, sickness, death and the list goes on.
Being transformed into Christ’s flesh for the world involves each of us to look at our heart, actions, and attitudes and what we need to change to conform our life to mirror Jesus’s. We need to be shaped by HIS example, where we pick up our cross and follow him no matter the cost. Yes, we need to repent, be baptized, keep His commandments, and receive the Holy Spirit as part of this transformation, but we find the simple answer within the depths of our heart and soul.
So, as you continue to journey into this 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, reflect on what areas of your life need transformation during this journey, how can you share the light of Christ with others, especially when facing challenges, and how does seeing Jesus transfigured impact your understanding of His divinity, humanity, and His love for us?
May God Bless You All
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